The most disquieting aspect of a religious zealot lies in their uncanny capacity to deflect any criticism. This near-mystical shield arises from their unwavering conviction in serving a "higher" power. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of dogma, they remain steadfast in their beliefs, immune to external influences that may challenge or question their devotion.
Their unwavering faith and resolute determination make them formidable opponents in any debate or discussion. No rational argument or logical counterpoint can penetrate the impenetrable fortress of their beliefs. Instead, any attempt to criticize or question their views is often perceived as a test of their faith, further bolstering their devotion and sense of righteousness.
This imperviousness to critique presents a unique challenge to those who seek to engage with religious zealots in meaningful discourse. The unwavering nature of their faith and their steadfastness in the face of opposition can create an atmosphere where dialogue is stifled and understanding becomes elusive. As a result, bridging the chasm between the unyielding convictions of the zealot and the perspectives of those who hold differing beliefs can become a seemingly insurmountable task.
- The Question of Religion and Its Purpose by Gideon de Salavia 374 AC.
It was only half-a-day’s ride when we encountered the Sandgorgers. At first, I would range ahead with a lit torch in hand to try and provoke the hidden amphibians into an attack. Once a group, or individual, of the monsters was found, Pakum would hang back with our mounts. There he would stake our animals, set up a temporary camp, and light a fire made from dried vegetation, unearthed a few inches under the sand. It was a rather careless strategy and would need some refinement.
Kidu would then look for any signs of monsters that I missed, find their exact location, and flush them out. At first he was hesitant, as his finely-honed instincts and skills were still adapting to an unfamiliar environment. As time progressed, however, he grew more sure of himself, and led us to where our victim was hidden.
“There, look, on the dry snow,” the wildman observed, pointing to a small rock formation twenty or so paces away from the far bank of the shallow river.
“Sand,” Elwin corrected tartly, which drew a dark look from Kidu.
Squinting my eyes, I could not see it at first, but as my eyes truly focused upon it, I began to see the details that betrayed the Sandgorgers. A small area of the sand was a little different, a little darker, and the nearby vegetation had been subtly disturbed.
You have learned Tracking lvl.1
Having learned a new skill, I grinned inanely. Kidu must have taken my expression for one of eagerness, as he smiled wolfishly in return.
“I can flush it out, if I approach from the other direction with fire. Make it run to you!” he offered gleefully.
“It is a good and simple plan. But the Northman will need to reach the other side undetected before lighting his torch. If there are others, his is the most dangerous of tasks,” commented Cordelia, her beautiful lips pursed in thought.
Larynda raised a hand timidly and I gave her a small nod.
“I’ve been learning a lot about the feel for this Water stuff. The old woman told me something about it being in all things. Dunno about that, but to me it just kinda flows different when it’s in living stuff. Anyways, don’t think there’s any of ‘em nearby, at least not in the river. Don’t know about all this sand, though,” piped the small girl.
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“I don't think there are any of them,” corrected Cordelia with a saintly smile, which caused the half-elf to roll her eyes.
This small act of disrespect, in turn, prompted the Temple Knight to cuff her lightly about the head, drawing a small ‘ouch’ from the child. I was taken a little aback by how no one commented on the casual use of violence in disciplining children. Different cultures, I supposed.
“That aside for a moment, I believe there might be someone more suitable for the task…” I ventured.
“Fine. I’ll do it. How bad can a bunch of overgrown frogs be anyways?” huffed Elwin, with his usual rascally smile.
“This is for me,” rumbled Kidu countered ominously.
Listening to their exchange, I decided it would be best to refrain from any addition to their discussion. I had a feeling that anything I said would be simply adding oil to the fire.
“Alright, alright, big man. Knock yourself out. Was just thinking you’d be more useful shooting at them with that big bow of yours, right?” the Rogue explained quickly.
“No, you shoot,” Kidu insisted stubbornly.
“I can barely draw that thing…”
Elwin made to go on, but he quickly clammed up on the subject when he saw Kidu’s expression grow dangerous. “Alright, as I said before. I’ll have some fun with it. I needed a bit of practice anyways. Don’t blame me if one of my arrows nicks you, if I can even shoot that thing,” he grumbled, as he accepted the quiver and bow from the Hunter.
“Hah, I doubt that, little man. If you should be of such poor aim, then I will simply just catch the needle!” he exclaimed, slapping the smaller man’s back good-naturedly.
*****
We were divided essentially into three. Kidu, Cordelia, and I carefully crossed the river, alert for even the smallest signs of the monsters. Elwin and the girl followed a bit after, the bright smile on Larynda’s face at odds with the Rogue’s somewhat dour expression. The general plan was to try and herd the animals downstream, to prevent any of their number from escaping. I had Elwin and Larynda remain a little downstream, to at least ostensibly, be in a position to pick off any monsters that got past us. In reality, I wanted them out of the way and in the safest position.
For me, this was an extermination mission to maximize the amount of experience gained. There was indeed a chance of getting flanked or simply biting off more than we could chew, but I had faith that Kidu’s sharp senses would not lead us astray. There was always a little risk in everything you did.
Checking on our Rogue and Mage, I saw wavy dark green fronds growing from the bone-white sands near where the pair were waiting. At this distance, the plants looked more like wool than vegetation. Looking back, I saw that Elwin had started applying some flammable resin to the arrows. I had been told that such were the creatures’ fear of fire, that this would be enough to dissuade them from entering the river and swimming away.
Pakum had informed us that the creatures could not go that far under the sand and would not be able to escape us by simply ‘digging’ in. This meant that as long as we were able to find them, things would be relatively simple, as we could run them down at our leisure. In short, we would not be needing shovels.
Finishing our crossing, Kidu rushed off ahead to flush out the creature, giving its suspected location a wide berth. I unslung my new crossbow and loaded one of my iron bolts. This new piece of ammunition had small iron fins, instead of feathers, to provide a small measure of stabilization in flight. Undoubtedly, being heavier these bolts would have less range than regular bolts, but would pack more of a punch up close. Also, I had the inkling of an idea that I wanted to test.
Cordelia graced me with a smile that could outshine the sun itself, as she settled a plumed horsehair barbute atop her noble brow. The 'T' shaped visor lent her an air of menace, reminiscent of the classical Spartans. Then she drew her storied longsword with an easy grace.
“You do this to safeguard those who travel behind us,” she began.
“Indeed. We must teach these things to fear man. That we are not prey,” I answered casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Cracking my neck, I dug the tip of my shield into the loose sand, using it as a simple stand to rest my crossbow as I waited.
I saw her mouthing my words, repeating them, and sampling their taste.
“Make ready, Kidu is fast in his duties,” I said a little tersely, wanting to avoid unnecessary conversation before a fight.
“As you will,” she answered.