Author's Note

Questions? By all means, ask away.

10/02/20 Edit: Any speech in bold is in another language besides English or 'Equestrian' in this universe.

Chapter I - Oaths and Promises

In a hallway stood a pair of male humans. Both were standing in front of a pair of doors, the doors were dark and ornate, engraved with golden patterns and symbols of the Maltese Cross. The man on the right had mature dark skin, a bald head, and a right eye that shone green. His other eye however was covered up by an eye patch, for a scar ran across it.

The one on the left - a mere boy to the man on the right - had young fair skin, jet black hair fixed into a military undercut and a pair of grey eyes. He was shorter than the other man, but he stood around average height.

The man on the right had a golden Maltese Cross amulet while the other did not.

However, one of the things they had in common was the attire they wore; a black frock coat, black tactical pants, black fingerless gloves, and black knee-high boots; the standard issue uniform of their organisation.

The ‘Ordo Templarius’

“Are you ready?” the man on the right asked, his voice was deep, confident. The one on the left could hear and feel the vast amounts of experience behind that voice.

“No, but I don’t have a choice” the one on the left replied.

“Hmm… none of us ever do, frater” He then turned and faced the other, he placed a hand on his heart, “Quia salutare, Brother Ollanius”

Ollanius copied his actions “Quia salutare, Brother Calidus”

They both stood up straight and gave each other a nod. Calidus stood to the side of the door and placed his hands behind his back while Ollanius faces the door and placed his hands on them. He got a feeling of the doors, it was cold and despite the patterns and engravings, the ornate marble doors were smooth and reflective.

Only the finest of traditional designs could ever become part of such a place…

Drops of sweat formed on his forehead, his heart rate was soaring, and his hands were shaking.

“Take a deep breath brother” Calidus instructed Ollanius without even looking at him.

Olllanius did so, taking a deep breath through his nose and letting it out through his mouth.

Moment of truth…

Ollanius slowly pushed the door, he could feel the strength of the door and it was a wonder how many people opened it without difficulty. As soon as the door opened he spotted a throne at the top of two sets of midnight black, marble stairs, the second set split off to the left and right side but both lead to the same place, the throne. Where the ruler turned his eyes towards the entrance.

The Emperor, sitting upon his golden throne. Statues of angels, heroes and clan markings, made out of pure gold were fixed into a single position as they layered upon each other, building and reaching up to the ceiling itself. Even the gracing light of the sun shined upon him, through two massive windows with a golden frame and arch.

Unfortunately, the path laid before Ollanius was not an easy one. For most in his place would fall to their knees before the Emperor.

The floor was constructed out of midnight black marble tiles, it was reflective and tranquil. The reflective statement could be taken in two ways; one was you could see yourself in the flooring but the other was ‘how did you get yourself into this situation? If it was failure or capital offence, then the floor itself spoke volumes as you stared at it, reflecting upon the counts of your failure or crimes.’

To the sides of the throne room were His Imperial Majesty’s ‘Regiis Custodes’ who lined the room. As stiff and still as if they themselves were empty suits of Middle Age Knight armour. These guards were identically equipped.

The male guards of the Regiis Custodes were equipped with the standard uniform of the Ordo Templarius but with various additions. The most notable of which was the added ornate dark plated armour on top of the standard uniform.

Their headgear was similar to the Ordo Templarius but the Regiis Custodes had their hoods on with ornate golden visors and a pair of golden horn-like ornaments instead of the single horn ornament worn by the Ordo Templarius. Their lower faces were covered by a dark steel mesh masks instead of black cloths.

They had a chest plate that covers the chest from the bottom of the clavicle to the bottom of the rib cage, with another segment protecting the abdomen. The Maltese Cross was painted white on the front and back of the dark plated armour.

Their shoulders were protected by a pair of wide, low-profile shoulder pauldrons with the white Alpha symbol on the left while the white Omega symbol was painted on the right pauldron.

Other parts of the body such as their forearms, knees and shins were also protected by plated armour, these also bear the white markings of the clans they were beholden to.

On the other hand, the female guards were not as armoured as their male counterparts, they still wore the standard female uniform of the Ordo Templarius: A black, hooded jacket with a black bodysuit underneath, thigh-high, heeled boots and small capes with red interiors and black exteriors, and a white Maltese Cross on the cape.

They had no ornate visors or horn-like ornaments, and only had a piece of black cloth to cover their face.

The female Custodes wore a much slimmer chestplate that bear the Maltese Cross and smaller lower-profile pauldrons that bear the Alpha symbol on the left and the Omega symbol on the right.

They had no lower leg protection due to their footwear but still wore a pair of smaller vambraces on their forearms, bearing the markings of their clans.

At the base of the second set of stairs was a group of five women. Four of them were dressed in pure white, hooded long-sleeved robes with a symbol of a halo and a pair of golden wings on the back, each of them was holding a golden censer burner by the chain and swinging it gently from side to side as it burned sweet-smelling smoke.

Vestals…

The one in the middle of the group, however, was wearing a pure white, hooded robe but with a wide, red line outlined with gold. She wore a large golden chain with the side view of a single winged angel as the amulet.

...and a High-Vestal

The gaze of the High-Vestal was set upon Ollanius while the other Vestals remained motionless, their own gaze upon the High-Vestal.

Ollanius took this moment to start walking forward, the sounds of his boots echoed throughout the room alongside the chanting of the Vestals.

Quem in mundi pretium.

He felt the judgmental stares from the Regiis Custodes as he passed each one.

Corporis mysterium.

He reached the first set of stairs and started climbing them, the Vestals each took a step back as he reached the top and approached the High-Vestal. She had fair mature skin and blue eyes, her hair was hidden beneath her hood.

Fructus ventris generosi.

Once Ollanius was close enough she held up her hand and signaled him to stop. He now stood in the centre of the group, he got down on one knee and looked up at the Emperor.

Ex intacta Virgine.

He had fair skin, hair still in its early greying stage, a shortly trimmed beard and a pair of hazel eyes.

Fructus ventris generosi.

He was wearing a finely crafted black suit with thin white stripes and a pair of dark pauldrons that had a cape attached to it, he wore a pair of black shoes and had a large golden chain hanging from his neck, with the Maltese Cross as the amulet. On his hands were a single brand, a black mark of the Alpha symbol was on the left and on the other was a black mark of the Omega symbol.

Corporis mysterium.

The High-Vestal placed a hand on the back of Ollanius’ head and put some pressure on it to force him to look down. He saw nothing but his reflection, he took one more look before closing his eyes.

Soon the Vestals softly ended their chant. Nothing but solemn silence filled the room.

The High-Vestal spoke, her voice was surprisingly soft and soothing, “Ollanius Alastair,” a brief flash lit the room and in the High-Vestal hands was a Maltese Cross amulet. She hovered the amulet above Ollanius’ head.

“By the will of the Emperor, the ruler of the Dominion of Man, and for the future of the Dominion, Angelgard and her sons and daughters. You have been chosen to lead a crusade against the forces who oppose the rule of the Dominion” She placed the necklace around his neck.

“May you never know failure, may you never know defeat, for the countless souls of the Dominion rely on your success. May the Gods be on your side, young warrior.”

After the High-Vestal finished, she then looked up at the Emperor, and awaited a signal, to which he nodded and stood up from his throne.

Quid est officium tuum?

The Emperor said, looking down at young Ollanius as he knelt. His voice spoke with such power and authority. Most would kneel at the sound of his voice.

Servire voluntati imperatoris

Ollanius responded, looking up at the Emperor, staring into his stern eyes.

Quae est voluntas imperatoris?

Quod pugnamus et morimus.

Quae est mors?

Nostrum officium.

Once the exchange was complete, the Emperor sat back down and pointed to the doors, “Go now, serve in my name. May Tenebrae bring peace through war and may Anima make it last”

“I will not fail in my duty, Your Imperial Majesty” Ollanius said sincerely, he then rose, turned and quickly made his way out of the throne room.

“That remains to be seen…”

A pair of Regiis Custodes calmly moved to the doors and opened them, saving Ollanius the effort.

Once he was outside he saw Calidus standing in the same position, he looked like he hasn’t even shifted a muscle since Ollanius left him.

“Let’s go, Calidus,” Ollanius said, quickly walking to the right, “The Dominion hungers.”

Calidus smiled, and quickly moved beside Ollanius, “Of course, my lord. Would the Dominion have a preferred restaurant to dine at?”

Young Ollanius placed a hand under his chin and seemed to ponder for a bit before answering, “Equestria does sound nice… but I believe the Dominion would like to dine at the Kingdom of Olenia tonight”

“Hmm, a wise choice, my lord, I do seem to recall that the Kingdom of Olenia has a very rich selection of meals, and a fine selection of beverages. Does the Dominion have a preferred choice of meal and beverage?”

“Magical Crystals,” Ollanius said quickly, “A lot of it, as for beverages… nothing but blood, sweat and tears, locally produced, of course.”

“Of course, nothing but the best for the Dominion.” Calidus said before retrieving an item from one of his pockets. It was a small two way radio earpiece, he placed it in his ear and started communicating with the individual on the other side

“Knight-Commander Calidus” he said, drawing the attention of Ollanius.

“Uh huh. Affirmative… of course Quaesitor.”

“What is it?” Ollanius asked, halting his movement at an intersection in the hallway.

“Quaesitor Drucilla Herrion, requests your presence in the infirmary”

Ollanius let out a sigh, “Very well. Wait in the car, this shouldn’t take long”

Calidus nodded, “It better. We have quite the schedule”

The two faced each other and placed a hand across their chest, “Quia salutare, Brother Ollanius”

“Quia salutare, Brother Calidus”

Ollanius then proceeded left while Calidus continued straight.

Ollanius continued walking to the infirmary, passing by the occasional maid or butler; who stood to the side and knelt before him. He gestured to every single one with his hand to rise and to continue their duties, but not before telling them: “May Anima preserve you and your clan”

Each maid and butler gave their thanks and continued their duties. While Ollanius went about his way.

The walk to the infirmary took longer than expected but he got there.

In his path was a dark, ornate marble door. It had two Regiis Custodes standing beside it, one male and one female, they stood in their in their ever constant somber demeanor with their hands behind their backs.

He pushed open the doors and was greeted with a room filled with all sorts of medical equipment, IV’s, hospital beds, you name it.

Female medical personnel wearing white robes with red short sleeves with golden outlines, the bottom of the robe followed the same pattern as the sleeves. On the front of the robes was a red coloured cross and on the back was the same golden symbol the Vestals had on the back of their own robes.

They had long white scarves that wrapped around their neck a couple of times before having both ends hanging off the back and reaching their lower backs.

They had brown belts around their waists with several small IFAK pouches attached to it. They also wore brown, knee-high, heeled boots.

Each of them had a tattoo on their left arm, it was the same one shape as the High-Vestal’s amulet. Their tattoo was as identical as the next.

These medical personnel were coming in from a room at the end of the right side of the main room, this room was separated from the main room itself thanks to the pair of translucent glass doors.

Ollanius even saw some Regiis Custodes lying in several hospital beds or even getting patched up by the medical staff.

As soon as the doors closed, every Custodes looked straight at him. Though after a few seconds, they went about their own affairs.

Ollanius rolled his shoulders and turned left, heading towards another room with a pair of translucent glass doors at the end.

Above the door was a rectangular red light. It had the words: ‘session in progress’ printed in white and was currently on.

On the doors itself was a name: ‘Quaesitor Drucilla Herrion’

Through the door he saw two figures, the translucent glass was doing its job well for he could not see through and make out the figures, though he could guess one of them.

Fortunately for Ollanius, the light turned off and the doors slid open, revealing a man and a woman.

The man was an old, fair skinned person, tall and had a large build. He had short black hair and grey eyes. He was wearing a black military coat with red and gold epaulets, black pants and black boots.

The woman was another young fair skinned individual, with green eyes and blonde hair, she had the same tattoo as the rest of the medical staff.

She was wearing a similar attire as the medical staff, the only difference was that her hooded robes were red with gold outlines, her scarf was white instead of red, and the front of her robes had a symbol of a golden owl.

“I thank you for your informative visit, Inquisitor Dinola” the woman said, gesturing for the Inquisitor to leave, “But as I have said for the hundredth time, ‘YOU do not have tier one clearance’, and thus YOU have no authority to investigate anything here in the Citadel.”

The Inquisitor had his hands behind his back and didn’t even seem fazed by the lady, “Just wait, Quaesitor Herrion,”— he pointed to her — “I WILL figure out what you people are doing and I WILL get you shut down” he said with determination, before clenching his fist.

Quaesitor Herrion raises an eyebrow and crossed her arms, “It’s a wonder how your people even managed to get access here in the first place, you should be grateful for the hospitality of our Emperor.”

The Inquisitor grumbled and started walking towards the exit.

Ollanius stood to the side and glared at the inquisitor. The inquisitor noticed this and locked eyes with him, “Is there something on my face… boy?”

Ollanius took a second to respond, he looked straight ahead and said, “No…”

Inquisitor Dinola’s eye twitched, “No what?”

Ollanius sighed, “No… sir” he said with total contempt.

“Hmm… that’s what I thought” the Inquisitor then continued on his merry way, getting disdainful looks from both the medical staff and the Regiis Custodes.

He kept glaring at the Inquisitor until he exited the infirmary. He heard the sound of someone clearing their throat and the sound of someone calling out his name.

“Ollanius” the voice said.

Ollanius turned and saw Quaesitor Herrion waiting for him with her arms crossed, “Do you plan on standing there all day? Or are you going to come inside so we can begin your examination?” She said before walking back inside, with Ollanius not far behind.

Once he entered the room the doors slid shut and were instantly locked thanks to the Quaesitor.

It was a decently sized office, there was a desk at the far right corner with all the necessary office equipment. Such as a computer, printer, pens etc.

On the far left side was an examination table against the wall with several drawers in the middle and a large drawer at each end. The one on the right had a biohazard sign.

Ollanius faced the Quaesitor and started to kneel, but she stopped him midway and gestured to the examination table, “You’re on a tight schedule. Lie down and we’ll get started”

Ollanius obeyed without question, “As you wish, Quaesitor Herrion”

Ollanius saw a single dark metallic ring, engraved with runes that he could not recognise, simply resting on the examination table. He knew the procedure, he put the ring on his middle finger.

He groaned in pain as he nearly collapsed, thankfully he used the table for support. He instinctively paced a hand on his heart and gripped the coat tightly.

He started coughing irregularly, but soon he stood straight after the pain subsided.

He felt something… essential fade within him, it’s as if a part of him went dormant.

Can never get used to that…

After recovering from his… moment, he hopped onto the table and laid down.

The Quaesitor moved beside him and held her hands over him.

“I hate this ring” Ollanius said with a passion.

She smiled, “Tell me who doesn't”

“The Inquisitor and his kind”

She chuckled, “Fair enough”

“I hope that Inquisitor wasn’t too much of a hassle for you and your ‘Clerici’” Ollanius asked.

“The girls are annoyed but they’ll live. Now be quiet, and close your eyes. I have to concentrate”

“Yes ma’am”

The Quaesitor closed her eyes once Ollanius did so. Her brand lit up, emitting a holy white glow. A white light emitted from the palms of her hands. It started off dim but slowly got brighter and brighter.

Soon the light died down and she closed her hands, “It’s done.” She said, prompting Ollanius to sit up.

“So… anything?” Ollanius asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

“I haven’t felt any significant changes.”

Ollanius gripped the edge of the table tightly, “Meaning?”

“Meaning that nothing should interfere with you during your crusade”

Ollanius sighed heavily, “So… what now?”

“Nothing as of right now.” She said, before heading to her desk, “I’ll contact you after I do some more research. You should head over to Knight-Commander Calidus, don’t want to keep him waiting”

“Right…” he left the ring on the examination table and hopped off. He moved to the doors, but before he left, he turned and placed a hand on his heart, “May Anima preserve you and your clan, Quaesitor Herrion”

“May she preserve you and yours, young Ollanius”

Ollanius then took his leave.

Ollanius walked through the hallways of the Citadel, tracing his steps back to where he split up with Calidus. Once he did, he headed down the same path Calidus did, it led to an ornate double door, Ollanius pushed it open and was greeted with the reception area.

Dark tiled flooring, golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, dark marble columns with gold patterns were spaced evenly on the sides of the room, large paintings with golden frames of past rulers decorated the walls, along with white marble statues of angels and heroes.

Close to the entrance was the reception desk with a dark skinned woman, who was dressed in formal attire and wore a pair of glasses.

Everything that a receptionist needed was on her desk, a monitor,

The entrance was three sets of double doors that were similar, if not, the same as the one for the throne room. Above each one was a large arched window, revealing a transparent crystalline barrier that was pulsating with energy.

The area was heavily guarded, there was one Regiis Custodes standing in front of each column, two standing at the end of the reception desk, and a pair of Regiis Custodes standing beside each set of doors to the outside world.

Calidus is probably waiting in the courtyard, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure…

Ollanius walked up to the receptionist, but she seemed to be distracted with her work.

Her eyes were glued to the monitor, which had several sticky notes of various colours stuck on the side frame.

Seeing that she hadn’t noticed him yet, Ollanius decided to make his presence known. He cleared his throat, immediately catching the attention of the receptionist, “My lord,” she said, rather drowsily in fact.

It took her a while to process who was standing in front of her but once she did, her eyes widen and she jumped up from her chair. Unfortunately this caused her to bang her knee under the desk and knock over a pen holder, making a mess of her previously clean workspace.

"Oh, my lord!" she said, quite loudly to be honest and it only echoed in the reception area.

Ollanius could only raise an eyebrow as she started to tidy up her workspace, "Oh, I'm so sorry my lord, you just surprised me"

Once she fixed up her desk, she made herself look presentable, “Forgive me, I didn’t notice that you were standing there… right in front of me…”

Come on girl, get it together…

Ollanius waved the apology off, “It’s fine, I would just like to see if you know the location of Knight-Commander Calidus”

“Oh, of course my lord. He’s waiting for you in the courtyard, he also left you something”

She handed him an earpiece, it was the same model that Calidus had. “He also said, and I quote: ‘I’m not your mother, don’t expect me to carry your things’ unquote.”

“Right. Thank you” Ollanius said, putting on the earpiece.

Ollanius turned to leave but just when he was about to walk away, he halted himself and looked at the receptionist.

“Are you new here? In all the time I’ve been here, I’ve never seen you here once”

“Oh, yes. I’ve only been here for a few days”

“How are you finding it so far? ” Ollanius asked.

“It’s everything I could’ve hoped for, my lord.” She said with a smile and such sincerity.

Ollanius raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Why is that?”

“I, uh, well” she cleared her throat and pulled her collar to let some air in, “You know, the ‘Liberi de Aeternitas’ are the valiant defenders of the ‘Domus Plebe’...it’s only right that we serve them the best we can”

Ollanius smiled, “How are you finding the ‘upper’ city? Be honest.”

She gulped, “Oh, well. It’s very… different than the ‘lower’ city”

“How so?” Ollanius asked,

“Very… noisy, the constant patrols, tanks, walkers, airships… it makes it very difficult to get some sleep. Oh and very expensive, especially if you have a job as a receptionist… like me”

“Oh, so you managed to get a place to live in the upper city?” Ollanius questioned, an eyebrow raised

“Well, with the help of a friend. She’s one of your people. She always likes to remind me that: ‘the upper city is expensive and noisy but it’s also the safest, since the whole upper city is practically a garrison itself’”

He smiled, “Did you expect any less?”

“Well… no, if anything I expected more. I mean… the most holy city in Angelgard; a place so revered and sacred… that it always made me wonder… why do the Liberi de Aeternitas ever grant my people the chance to work or stay here”

Ollanius’ face turned serious, “Our People, our Clans, our Houses, they may be different but each one of us has a purpose in the Dominion. Be it from the lowliest page to the Emperor himself”

The receptionist seemed to be put at ease, “Y-you’re too kind, my lord”

He smiled, “May Anima preserve you and your clan”

“Oh, may she provide you and yours with the same grace, my lord”

Ollanius turned and made his way to the exit, pushing open the main set of doors.

As soon as Ollanius opened the door, he was greeted with the view of the blue sky and the transparent crystalline barrier that he saw from inside.

He saw three archways, each one was in front of each set of doors that led to the reception area. A large red carpet was laid out in the archway in the centre.

Ollanius took a deep breath and moved forward. Stepping onto that red path that led down two sets of stairs.

On each side of the stairs stood a large statue of a hooded angel, who had the edge of their sword held up to their face, with their marble chiseled wings covering most of their body.

At the bottom was a large roundabout that had three exits, the first and third exit on Ollanius’ view led to smaller gates for quick and easy travel to and from the Citadel, it also led to a second set of stairs that went to the lower courtyard. A place that had a lot more space for gatherings than the upper courtyard.

The second exit led to the Citadel Gate, a colossal structure that separated the Citadel courtyard from the ‘upper’ city, and served as the diplomatic route for important visitors for its path was also covered with a red carpet.

These paths and roads had dormant street lights on the edges of the roads. Banner poles with black flags and the Maltese Cross displayed as the emblem. They lined the edges of the streets, one banner pole between two street lights.

At the bottom of the stairs was Calidus, standing in front of a black 4x4 suburban. Calidus looked up at Ollanius, and waved him down, “You done?” Ollanius nodded, “Then let’s go”

Calidus went around the vehicle and jumped inside the driver's seat while Ollanius grabbed the handle to the passenger seat, but before he opened the door he turned once more and got a view of the Citadel.

It was a towering skyscraper, it had a large balcony that overlooked the courtyard. From the front he could see two towers but to say this meant he only saw half the picture.

For in reality, the Citadel had four towers, all in close proximity to one another and were all connected by two skywalk tunnels; the lower one and the upper one.

A steel supported glass tube was built in the centre of the Citadel, and only stood in place with the effort of the two skywalk tunnels.

A light pinkish beam emanated into the sky through the glass tube and it seemed to be the source for the magical barrier.

Ollanius’ eyebrows narrowed, but he took a deep breath and shook his head. He opened the car door and got in.

“Is everything alright, brother?” Claudius asked, already strapped in and seemed to look for any reactions in the boy.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. Let’s head to the anchorage.” Ollanius assured, strapping himself in and rolling down the window.

Claudius nodded and started the engine. He drove to the smaller gates and stopped in front of it.

The exit was blocked by evenly spaced, dark metallic, bollards. There were two guard stations, ,one for each side of the road, they each had a single Regiis Custodes standing guard.

One came out of the guard station and looked straight at the Ollanius and Calidus. The Custodes nodded and went back inside, and with a single press of a button the bollards disappeared into the ground.

Calidus gave thanks with a gesture and drove off, heading towards the ‘upper’ city.