123 Chapter 123
Hound was getting impatient waiting for his boss. The fact that he had lost a few of his informants went a long way in souring his mood. He knew the boss wouldn't like it, but he has to be told about it.
It wasn't only that people were killed. He knew there would be sacrifices. People will have to kill and have to die in order the dreams to be achieved. A world of equality. Some may call him naive for having that dream, but he truly believed in it.
He knew someone would eventually end up having power, true equality perhaps was never possible, but it didn't mean you couldnt strive for it, get as near to it and you could.
And that is what he was trying to achieve. The world to be equal for mages and commoners alike. The discrimination and privileges to end.
Yes, that was a dream worth pursuing.
The new life granted to their association had come at a right time. It was true, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The rejuvenated association had tasted far more success in the last couple of years than perhaps when it was under their founder.
His sole aim for working for the association was because he believed in it. And because of his belief, he was ready to lay down his life if needed.
That brought him to his original predicament. Sacrifices were necessary. Fighting for a cause was justified. But killed at your home along with your innocent family, that was unwarranted.
He himself had visited a home after the attack. No, it wasn't a attack. It was a cold blooded murder. Nothing else . He had believed he had seen a lot. Even he had killed before. But what he saw in that house would perhaps haunt him forever.
It had only been a minor informant who passed on messages about what he observed in his city. Nothing else.
He was a young man who had two little kids and a homely wife. The mutilated bodies of kids were unrecognizable, and the poor couple. Whoever it was had done a number on them. Even in death you could see agony on their faces. Or whatever was left of their faces.
The person had taken his time doing all this. He had enjoyed doing this. It was too much for a sane person otherwise.
This also sent a message. A murder would have perhaps infuriated people. Make them want revenge. But this scene, this broke people. You may be ready to face death and torture, but would you agree for the same to your loved ones? Never. The news had spread to some of the people who were more in the know how and some those people with family have refused to cooperate with them fearing for their families.
Hound couldn't really blame them. He never had a family of his own. But if he was in their position, perhaps he would have chosen the same.
This had to stop. The new boss was perhaps not always in his right mind, but he abhored killing unless absolutely necessary. He looked like someone who had seen far too many deaths. He wasn't fool enough to ask him that though. He could be temperamental at times.
As he was thinking, he was finally ushered inside to meet his boss.
" My dear hound, what news do you bring this time around? "
" If you are here to confirm that the association has backed off after our last trysts, you are late my friend. I already know it. "
" It was brilliant, wasn't it? " He spoke in a jovial tone warranting praise for his clever ploy.
" Yes, it was a good plan. The association had never faced an attack like that. They have backed off their interferences. " Hound replied, but it could be seen their was no heart behind those words.
" What is the matter Hound? You of all people should have been happy about this. I don't know about others, but I know you always wanted to get back at this high nose bastards. "
He truly was a good leader. He knew his men and knew what to say to them. Some took the carrot, some needed the stick. He could play each of them to further his agenda.
" I was indeed very happy. It was more success than I ever tasted. The association backing off, that was perhaps the best moment I would see in my life. "
" Nonsense. I promise you Hound. You will see the association on its knees in my lifetime. Or I would die trying it. " Said his boss with such conviction that for a moment he had believed it was possible.
" But I could feel that this is not what is bothering you. Tell me what happened. " This time the boss spoke in a much more concerned tone.
" There have been reports. " He began.
Hound told his boss about the reports he had received from his sources. Informants found dead or missing. He had heard they were tortured. But never believed it was upto such extent unless he had visited a home himself.
He described what he saw and what the reactions were.
The shred of joviality on his bosses were all gone. The easy going man was replaced by a man with a gaze so cold that it could perhaps freeze a flowing river.
He raised his hand to stop Hound.
" I have heard enough. This man..." He took a deep breath and corrected himself " this monster, do you have a inkling to who it is? " he asked in a voice full of steel.
Hound knew that voice wasn't directed at him. It was for that monster, as his boss called him.
" No. But I could recall a incident somewhat similar I have heard years ago. I thought at the time that rumours were exarated. I never believed them to be true. But now I think, maybe there was some truth to them. I will need to investigate further. "
" I hear a but Hound. Speak your mind. You don't need to worry. My temper will be reserved for the deserving. "
" But, I fear for my informants. What if that maniac targets those people because they agreed to speak to me? It would lay heavily on my conscience if something happened to them. "
" I see. Your caution is well warranted. But we need to take the risk. Find out who it is and find out where he his. I will take care of him myself. " Again that conviction blossomed confidence in Hound.
" I will do it. " Replied Hound.
" Good. Contact me as soon as you are done. " Hound knew it was time for him to leave.
His boss, the neately dressed man was angry though. He had somehow controlled his anger in front of Hound. Because he didnt want to loose his control in front of anyone and because Hound was a valuable resource.
But he was angry. Yes, he had done tonnes of things he regreted. Sometimes willingly, sometimes when he wasnt totally himself. He would be the first one to accept the fact that something was wrong with him.
But even in his not so stable state, he had been willingly so cruel to someone.
No, he could never bring himself to do those things.
The anger he held towards authority, however ironic it was that he himself was at a similar position now was leaking out. The air around him crackled. His elemental magic was leaking out of his skin.
" Theodore" he murmured.
He knew who was to blame for this.
Stupid wasn't a word ever associated with him. He knew this action was taken because of the compromise he had forced on the association.
" You play a dangerous game Theodore. Be careful that you don't burn your hands when you play with fire. " He let out a cackling laugh to accompany the crackling thunder around him.
