[Suzerain of Sheol]

Still utterly still, Diogenes noted the odd presence of mind descending from above. It was of little matter; surely his lord was aware as well, and if it presented any threat, well, Zaccheus hardly required protecting. He had felt the unearthly might of the Iron Scepter many times before, and there were none here who could hope to resist its dominance if the Celestrine chose to employ it.

The other figure to enter the chamber elicited slightly more of a reaction from the assassin. The man literally blazed with aggression and murderous impulse. Diogenes had met many veteran killers in his tenure as Zaccheus' prize slayer, but none could match the sheer ferocity emanating from the Russian man who was now addressing his master.

As Zaccheus began to give answer to the man's demand, Diogenes turned all of his attention to the Celestrine, intent to learn the details of this assignment.

"I have received word that the church at Smyrna, overseen by the prelate Jethro, my brother in God, has been... desecrated. Jethro was given Eternity's Crown by our LORD and sleeps in endless rapture. I fear... I fear a demon has infiltrated his dreams. It may be that Hell itself, and all its infernal powers, has established a foothold in our world. I do not know what you will discover there, but if there is any demonic presence to be found, it must be eradicated. Utterly. I place my trust in the divers skills you all possess, and will reward your service with anything that is within my power to provide.

My chaplain Thomas will head the expedition, and a squadron of seven of my finest soldiers will accompany you.

Are there any questions?"