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A God's Whim
Chapter 2 - Of Beasts and Men

Chapter 2 - Of Beasts and Men

Beastmen aren't naturally born they are an artifically created race...by humans. Cross-breeding through forceful procreation between beast and women would normally never work but then again the combination of money and magic have their... persuasive ways of making things work. Originally created as a destructive force of disposable slaves became a thorn in the human's side when they betrayed them.

Now they live south of us with their own nation that the humans have taken to calling the Dark Lands, for those that dare venture in there will end up as meat and bone, stuffed into sacks and used to form a wall, The Wall Of Flesh. All except the women, who are gathered into breeding pits and well, the name speaks for itself doesn't it? He he he, it is a most entertaining experience if I may say so myself, a very...primal way to show dominance and power and all know that fear and brute strength are powerful tools for war. 

It would seem fitting that I let the world know that the little peace that they now enjoy will now be shattered, starting with the humans and their former creations. A most fitting spark to light up this world in glorious passion and death, I am Atos, and my will be done. 

A dozen voices at once, unanimously spoke with great passion to their Lord. "Thy will be done." Then there was silence as Atos watched the Aspect of revenge in great expectancy...upon his fiery throne.

...

It was as the demon? Monster? Maybe even a god? I'm not entirely sure anymore... but he was right...

News came of a rebellion, the count of Erihill a land notorious for disappearing women had been discovered to have been selling the women to the beastmen for certain...benefits. Now he leads an army of pigmen, centaurs, minotaurs and more of those gruesome monstrosities against his own kind, leaving a path of death and fire as he marched them towards the capital.

Now a regional draft has occurred, all lands close to the enemy army's path of attack must muster their forces and delay them as long as possible while the main army moves in from the capital at the center. "Sounds like the king wants us to be his little meat shields eh Ray?" 

In silence Ray could only look at the royal order in fear, how did it know and what is Ray getting himself into. But Ray wasn't allowed to think any further as he felt a hard slap on the back, practically coughing out his lungs as the more rugged man began laughing loudly. "Hahaha! Getting scared boy?!" 

The man was an old war veteran named Roland, he was rumored to have been in every major campaign the human kingdom has ever launched to expand this far but was demoted due to gross negligence and bad behavior. He certainly acted the part though. "Well...maybe a little, the Count's warpath doesn't actually come close to our village but still, it's...a war that no one expected."

There was a short moment of silence between the two men before Roland burst out laughing and once again giving Ray a hard slap on the back. Now Ray was hunched over and practically throwing up his breakfast if it weren't for pure willpower. "Still a youngling as ever boy! Don't worry your pretty head so much, after all, we just have to stay alive eh?! Wahahahaha!"

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Ray couldn't answer, he was still coughing furiously. But Roland had a pretty convincing argument and also a mean arm, survive and things will figure themselves out...hopefully. "Big bro, mom wants us home! Let's go!" Moray was tugging on Ray's shirt, having been running around playfullyfor a while now.

Nothing about him has changed ever since Galathor possession, in fact he's been more energetic than before. Moray smiled and hugged Ray for a short moment before running towards the house. "Good little brother you got there Ray, you best survive and return to him." Ray could only silently nod as he looked at the little figure running along the dirt path. "I plan to."

That night, Ray couldn't sleep as more horrific visions appeared before him, the beastmen trampling his allies down one by one in showers of gore and bone and small little rat creatures running around devouring those that could not resist. Their screams filled the air and then his mother appeared before him but she held her own decapitated head in her arms, blood splatters all over her cheap clothes and black hair. Lifting her head up to his face, she whispered to him. "Wake...Up...Ray"

Ray's eyes burst open as he awoke in a sweaty panic, his breath heavy as he looked around and saw his family sleeping right next to him...safe and alive. These nightmares, what did they mean, what did the-. "ARGHHHHHHHH!" It was like a thousand banshees shrieking into his ear, a sharp piercing pain followed by more softer voices and one which was familiar to Ray. "Come boy...do not make me ask again..."

Ray was once again led by the pain, as he came closer to the statue the pain lessened until it completely dissipated and all that was left was Galathor in his bloody form and Ray. "I trust you had sweet dreams little boy?" Galathor chuckled as he sat upon the base of the statue, his blank face staring at Ray's. "Why do you torture me so demon?! Why me!" 

"It's still too early for you to know the ways of my master boy...but! I can tell you about your nightmares." Ray was angry, angry at himself and the demon. The demon was too strong and he...too weak to do anything about it. "How do I stop these visions...they...they feel so real, it's...like I'm really there." 

In a chuckle Galathor began pacing around the statue, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints that seemed to instantly evaporate. "It's very simple boy, that is the curse of power. Those that become my master's chosen will have to act as deserving of such power...give my master a beautiful show in the coming war and he 'may' show you mercy."

"What kind of master do you serve...and what am I to do with these nightmares until I am able to do this...'show?!" In his anger Ray attempted to move forward but he felt a powerful force hold him back, if he moved forward any further...he would die. "Hmm...well then, give my master a worthy sacrifice...perhaps...your family? Hahaha! You won't boy!"

This demon was playing with him and enjoying every moment of it, Ray could only clench his fist and grit his teeth as the demon's laughter faded and all that was left was Ray...and the silence of the night...