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Nero Walker, Book 3 Ch.109 (224)
🕑 Added 2024-09-04 22:30:01 +0000 UTCWhile everyone was taking their seats, Mage-adept Hana Sovros glanced at the new decorations adorning the walls of their secret meeting place.
‘Really? We have our own sigils now?’ she thought to herself in amusement.
What had once been a small, out-of-the-way, conference room had now spread across the floor like an ever-hungry beast. Three other rooms had had their walls removed to create this central meeting chamber. Six others nearby had been appropriated by the burgeoning secret society for logistics and operational management. Practically an entire quarter floor of the Hennings’ Tower of Magic had been taken over.
The level of development they’d achieved was impressive. Their little society had grown enough to include members in every major guild in Hennings, each becoming a faction that worked together for the betterment of its members.
By utilizing their contacts in the Royal Academy and the Hennings’ Center, they’d officially listed this entire area of the tower as reserved for a special project. No one outside of their authority would even find a record of it even existing. They even had two archmages covering for them. Barring the direct intervention of Archmage Jennings or the council of mages, no one would ever know they were here.
Similar meeting halls had been arranged in the Royal Academy, four of 18 Hennings Centers, and even in the Oglivarchian command compound. The coordination involved in hiding so many members had grown to the point where each had its own leadership council.
She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of a chime echoing throughout the room.
At the head of the table, their ‘leader’, Archmage Faulker, called the meeting to order. Not being one to waste time with any pageantry, he got to the point immediately. With a deep but calm voice, he began, “Thank you all for coming. We have a great deal to discuss…”
His rise to power had been quick and without issue. Everyone on their tiny council had agreed that they needed someone to lead them who knew what they were doing. The secret society’s beginnings had been, at best, disorganized. Now, with the membership rolls expanding, they were finally getting their act together.
It had been Archmage Faulkner who had found them, having already been in contact with several other groups who’d been starting up their own secret societies to follow the teachings of the Walker. He’d been the one who stripped away their pathetic attempts at ceremony and spectacle. All it had taken was the question, ‘What do you think the Walker would think if he saw you all in your ceremonial robes?’
Now, even despite having gotten rid of all the candles and masks, the atmosphere in the room was much more subdued and serious. They were no longer here to play at being a cult. Although they didn’t necessarily have a strict set of precepts, they at least had a direction.
Looking around the room, she felt a surprising amount of pride at how far she and the other founding members had come. Each of them had progressed more in the past month and a half than they had in the past decade… in both their level and their careers. With members looking out for each other, helping and supporting one another, they were building something amazing.
Archmage Faulker’s calm but powerful voice echoed throughout the room as he updated the council on how the other factions had reacted to the Walker’s proclamation, as it had come to be known.
“... and the Academy has, as they tend to, focused on the historical similarities to other legends in their records. While even they agree that the Walker isn’t exactly like anything we’ve seen before, his words could be interpreted as a call to personal action. In the same way that Vanifus the Protector, Warren the Unifier, and High Prophet Libinitz inspired their people, the Walker has seen fit to encourage and guide rather than to demand and order,” he said before pausing for a moment to bring out a small book from his robes.
Holding it up for the entire table to see, he asked, “Have you all heard about the recent book published by Scholar Templeton?”
She looked around the room to see if anyone else was as confused as she was. Luckily, she wasn’t the only one with a perplexed expression on their face.
Instead of waiting for a response, Archmage Faulkner continued on, “As a cultural and historical scholar, Scholar Templeton has taken it upon herself to make a study of the Walker’s beliefs. Included are essays and dissertations by several great academics, each focusing on one aspect of the Walker’s message. I believe you should all study it, as Scholar Templeton’s conclusion practically predicted the Walker’s response to his followers' actions.”
Muttered conversations erupted throughout the room as people couldn’t help but comment on what they’d just heard. For them, the Walker’s proclamation had come as a shock, and to hear that some scholar from the Royal Academy had predicted it was even more so.
Continuing on, Archmage Faulker’s voice overpowered the whispers. “That’s not to say that everything in this book is to be taken as fact, but I believe it is a good start.”
Meeting each of their eyes in turn, he said, “While each of us has decided to follow the Walker for our own reasons, we can all agree that it's his passion for advancement and dismissal of traditional thinking that has inspired us. We’ve come together to follow a legend in the making, hoping to learn from his rise so that we ourselves can reach our potential. His words, actions, and outlook have given us all much to think about and hopefully helped clear our own paths so that we may follow him to greatness. While together we’ve pledged to learn his teachings, sharing what little we’ve understood and helping each other where we can, each of us is responsible for our own lives. The Walker himself has made that clear.”
Seeing nods of agreement around the table, Mage-adept Sovros found herself agreeing as well. When she’d first agreed to join this secret society, she’d only been interested in finding others who felt about the Walker how she did. Yet, now that some time has passed, she’d come to truly believe that the Walker’s path through the world would have a great deal to teach her. This little group had become more than just a gathering of supporters, it was now a study group… one which pooled their resources so that they could all benefit from the legend they were watching being born.
“So, in light of what we’ve heard, and with the support of all the other factions… In the hopes of formalizing our purpose, I’d like to announce that this society’s name has finally been agreed upon by all the councils. From henceforth, we shall be known as Grinders, the followers of the Walker. For that is what we are. We are not all adventurers, mages, or scholars. We come from all walks of life, each with their own stories to tell. Yet, all of us are dedicated to progressing. We’re willing to put in the work to see each of our dreams realized. Whether we are a mage who is dedicated to climbing the ranks in the Tower, or a warrior seeking to perfect their abilities on the field of battle, each of us will grind ourselves against the world, revealing who we are in the face of adversity,” he said firmly.
Standing up from his seat, Archmage Faulkner loomed over the table and spoke with passion, “The Walker every day has shown us the way. Despite nobles trying to kill him, sycophants trying to tie themselves to him, and schemers trying to ‘guide’ him, he refuses to be deterred. He follows his own path and asks us to do the same. He does not push others down so that he may rise, or care about the failings of the world… He moves ever forward along his path, letting the challenges he faces reveal more of himself as he makes his way through the world!”
Practically glaring at the room with determination, he finished calmly, “So, I ask you. Does this council agree to be known as the Hennings Mage Grinders, one of the many factions of the followers of the Walker?”
Involuntarily standing up in excitement, Mage-adept heard herself shouting in support of the motion before she even knew what was happening.
—--
Despite Nero’s outburst, the conversation continued on without anyone bothering to ask his opinion. Whether or not it was a coordinated plan or merely coincidence, nobody seemed willing to treat his participation in the upcoming ceremony as anything other than obligatory.
Nero had to reluctantly admit to himself that he might be growing as a person, since if this kind of thing had happened to him when he’d first arrived, he’d probably already be out the door by now. However, after having lived through some battles, and having gotten to know these people, he found himself putting up with their bullshit.
While half-listening to Cathleen arguing with Keening about how many of the common citizenry should be allowed to personally witness the oath-giving ceremony, Nero was focusing on how the real-world responsibilities he’d been ignoring could affect his identity.
Leaning back in his chair with a frown on his face, he thought to himself, ‘I guess it's kind of like the Nicholas Cage theory. No matter what movie you find him in, he’s always Nick Cage. He’s a complicated guy who can be crazy, serious, southern, drunk, or just… batshit insane. Yet, no matter what movie he’s in, he’s ALWAYS Nick Cage.’
Even if these people refused to let him be, he just needed to focus on keeping his head right. He just needed to think of this kind of crap like a job, never letting other people’s ideas about who he is affect him. They could call him a leader, a humanitarian, a champion of social justice all they want… He knew who he was.
Hearing the conversation interrupted by Knight Angleton, Nero looked across the table to hear what the man had to say.
“Whether or not the numbers we are expecting actually show up, we need to focus on our next steps in the war. House Walker has accepted a quest, and every day that we dither here like politicians is another day for the kobalds to prepare. While I admit the oath-giving ceremony is important, we should not lose sight of our larger purpose,” he said firmly.
Nick, the ever-helpful advisor to all replied, “And you think House Walker’s purpose is the completion of the quest? Technically, just by successfully beating back this assault, House Walker could call their duty done and request an accounting. Granted, I’m not saying Lord Walker should, but regardless of how you feel about it… he could.”
Seeing Knight Angleton’s clenched jaw, Cathleen spoke up before the man could respond, “What House Walker does going forward is not for any of us to decide unless Lord Walker wishes us to. We follow where our head of house leads. That’s the way every force in the kingdom operates and will not have that up for debate. Hear me when I say…I will not allow us to be led by a council. We can offer suggestions and opinions, but the final say will always remain with our lord. If you do not like that… then go found your own house and see how many people are willing to follow you.”
Turning her icy glare onto the knight, she added, “You made a very public commitment to House Walker, and I expect you to follow it.”
Looking around the table, Nero’s mind seemed to summarize what a few people were thinking with just a glance.
Knight Angleton wanted to focus on the war. That former assassin, Harring, wanted to bring in more people under House Walker’s banner. Keening wanted to let the world know how awesome House Walker was. Cathleen was thinking long term, currently focused on the house’s foundation, and Nick… good ‘ole Nick… He just cared about formalizing everything in writing and having the details finally sorted out.
Coughing lightly into his hand to gather everyone’s attention, Nero said, “I’ve come to realize that when I said that I would leave everything up to you guys, you all interpreted that in very different ways. Maybe it's due to the weird-ass translation magic or something, but this world seems to reinforce people hearing only what they want to hear.” Under his breath, Nero added, “Not that my world was all that different.”
Leaning forward in his chair, he straightened up in his seat and tried to get back to his point. “What I’m trying to say is that you all are thinking about House Walker from the perspective of how you feel about it. Or, more accurately, you think House Walker is all about whatever reason you joined up. But that isn’t any way to run a business, and that’s what this is… a business.”
Seeing as several people were looking like they were about to leap out of their chairs to object, he held up his hand and said quickly, “Hold up, just let me explain for a second!”
Running a hand through his hair, he said, “I’ve said it I don’t know how many times, I don’t want to lead anybody. When I first got raised up as a noble, I accepted it because I was being paid to, and also because I was lied to and told that being a noble would keep me safe. Then, I became a unique and found out that I was going to be a house unto myself, carrying it with me wherever I go. So, I accepted a few wackos who wanted to come along. I figured I could pay them with whatever I was getting from the investments I was leaving behind here in Dorchester. Then I found out that you all don’t have a universal currency and I -”
Nero noticed Nick leaning forward in his seat, eager to contradict what Nero was saying by way of another lecture. Glaring at him, Nero stopped mid-sentence and said, “Not the time, Nick!”
Like a dog smacked on his nose, Nick leaned back in his chair and sulked.
Turning back to the table, Nero continued, “As I was saying, every city has its own interpretation of currency values. So, I figured when I eventually left, the wackos and I could make some money doing quests and adventuring. Win-win, right? The locals get their problems stomped, and we get paid to see the world. As a result, I took a quest from the Dorchester council assholes, and off to the battle we went.”
Gesturing over to the former assassin and Knight Angleton, Nero went on to say, “Then you guys came along, and joined up, throwing all my brilliantly thought-out plans out the window. Now, here we are with a growing force of miscreants, all looking for different things. Don’t get me wrong, I’m touched… really I am. But, you all seem to think of me as something I’m not. I’d hoped last night’s little speech would have cleared everything up, but I guess I was just being overly optimistic.”
Taking a moment to sigh heavily in exhaustion, he firmed his shoulders and soldiered on, “But, that didn’t seem to put any of you off following me, so now here we are. I tasked you all with organizing everything, but I didn’t give you any framework… that’s on me.”
Seeing as everyone at the table was laser-focused on what he was saying, Nero stood up from his chair and adopted his manager's voice. “As a house, a force… whatever we are… House Walker will be dedicated to seeking out adventures and getting paid for the privilege of finding them. For now, that will be this fight with the kobalds. From what I’ve seen, Cathleen has been given overall control of our forces, so she’s going to decide where we’ll be fighting. As she said, you can offer your suggestions and opinions whenever you want… but the buck stops with her.
I get that you all might have your own thoughts about how we should go about our adventuring, but this is how it’s going to go.
Each of you has the personal responsibility of figuring out how you want to live your lives, everybody does. I honestly don’t get how you can even think of signing over your life to anybody, but that’s just me. That said, if you all still intend to go through with this ceremony thing, then I’m not going to stop you. But, just know that even if you follow me off into the unknown, you’re still going to have to figure out who you are while you do it. I’m not going to tell you what to do, and you will be free to leave at any time.”
Nero could practically feel the ether vibrating with how many people were about to object to what he’d just said. Luckily, from his standing position at the table, all it took was a glare to keep them silent.
Slowly turning to meet as many of their eyes as he could, he tried to impart how serious he was when he said, “I don’t care how you all choose to interpret what being a ‘follower’ or an ‘adherent’ means. I’m going to tell you what it means to me, and since it’s my name on that big-ass flag hanging on the wall, that’s how it's going to be.
You wanna sign up and join House Walker? Fine, then you better be damn sure you’re ready to go out and face some crazy shit. We’re going to be learning on the fly, facing danger, and seeing things that will curl your toes and make you wince. We’re going to train hard, gain experience, and push forward.
If there is one thing I’ve learned since I arrived in this world, it's that no matter how much you all ‘work together’ for the greater good, your path is your own. As a member of House Walker, we’ll look out for each other, but you gotta focus on yourselves a little more than you’re probably used to.
Think of being a member of the W.A.C. as a job, one you’re being paid to do. Who you are is independent of what you do. And what we’re going to be doing is adventuring… I can’t be any more clear than that. If you want to save people, protect the weak, or gain fame, that’s totally fine… If and only if that falls within the boundaries of what we’re doing as a house.
So, this is your last chance to walk away. If I understand what I’m reading about this ceremony, then once you’re in… you’re in. We’ll be massacring these kobalds and kicking them back to whatever plane they came from before riding off into the sunset like some honest-to-god badass adventurers.”
Turning to Cathleen, he added, “By the way, we’ll be needing horses at some point. Can’t ride off into the sunset without horses. So, put that on a list somewhere for when we’re done here.”
Resuming his glare, he continued, “Alright, that’s about it. I’ve said my piece and pointed the direction. That’s where I’m going, and if you still feel like following me, that’s where we’re headed. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
Sitting back down, Nero gestured for Cathleen to continue leading the meeting.
Before she could, Knight Angleton asked with a disturbingly calm voice, “So, you don’t plan to confront injustice wherever you find it?”
Nero rolled his eyes so hard his head tipped up at the ceiling before meeting the man’s glare with one of his own. “Of course I’m not just going to sit by and watch people being assholes without doing anything about it. That’s what adventuring IS! The point I’m trying to make is that If we’re on a road and we come across a bandit attack, I want you to understand the ‘why’ behind our boot-stomping the bastards. We will kill them all, loot them all, track them back to their hideout, and then pillage the damn place down to the studs. We’re not moronic heroes heading to our deaths for some ill-defined greater purpose.
If I have anything to say about it, and I do because once again, my name is on the damn flag… House Walker will be about surviving to stick our noses into what we shouldn’t and getting ourselves paid along the way.”
Staring deeply at the knight, he said, “Heroes die for their glorious purpose, we sure as hell will not.”
Turning to Cathleen, he added, “Warriors seek out fights for the sake of fighting, we’re not going to be doing that either.”
To Keening, he said, “We’re not going to be glory hounds, wasting our lives basking in the attention only to find ourselves crippled by our success.”
To the former assassin whose devoted expression had become somewhat strained, he added, “You’re not following a prophet or an ideal. You’re following a man. Prophets are sacrificed for the good of the many to leave a lasting point that will be remembered. Ideals are never lived up to, and those who are held up to an impossible standard always fail to live up to them. I’m telling you right now, I’m just a guy making his way through the world, nothing more… nothing less.”
Finally, looking over at Nick with a smirk he added, “Just ask this guy. He knows I’m not all that different than anybody else. Maybe I’ve got one or two tricks up my sleeve, but I compensate for that by being utterly and completely self-centered. My morality and opinions are entirely my own, and I’ll enforce them whenever I damn well feel like it.”
Chuckling, Nick replied quickly, “Well, it’s all part of the Walker charm, such as it is.”
Comments
Leetle Sheet
There's growth. It's just slow. Like most people, he first has to recognize the problem, then he has to come to terms with it, then he has to decide on how he wants to change... Unfortunately, the process tends to repeat itself like a grindstone. If you look at who and how he was over the chapters, you'll see him slowly coming to terms with his new lot in life and constantly trying to re-evaluate what he wants and who he is. He tends not to be very emo, but Nero is at his core a drama queen. He makes grand proclamations in the heat of the moment which he then has to think about and refine. He's learning to be the type of leader that he can accept turning into. You'll notice that he quite often contradicts himself as he grows into his place in the world. Emotional growth is messy, and I've never liked characters that have an epiphany and then everything is fine. Whenever I read stories like that, I feel like I'm just reading a biased agenda being proven by the author. I like characters who are unique, and don't really stand for anything other than themselves. Nero's character will be his own, a leader and a mage in a way that is right for him... no one else. Perhaps his growth is too slow. But, to be honest, Nero's development has always been pretty stunted. Thanks for reading!
BlaueFeder
It feels like Nero is constantly repeating himself. He frequently encounters trouble due to the responsibilities placed upon him, yet he resolves this by reminding himself that he only needs to focus on what he wants. Is it just me, or is there no real development?
EmmericH.
Sasuga Walker-sama ! 🤣🤣🤣
Eli Loeb
And yet more is added to the gospel of The Walker
