> “‘Shape was not ours to choose.’ This phrase is carved into several places within El Viajar. It’s believed to be from the days the wall was formed. Some scholars believe the phrase is related to the Iteri and their esoteric beliefs.”

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> - Of Myth and Legend, El Viajar and the Deuda

After hours of walking, inspecting dark corners of the city, and talking about whatever came to mind, William and Elena arrived at the university. At the tower that they both associated with her, William bid Elena goodnight. She disappeared up the stairs, her robe-like dress in hand. “I’m glad she’s happy,” William said to the shapeless air.

William began his usual walk through the university. Each building he passed, was familiar, old, and decaying. There was a time when he marveled at the sight, but now each building reflected who lived within, a decaying, half-living corpse. Through the path he walked, William saw that all of the lights were off.

“They’re probably all at the theater,” William said to the darkness. He stopped, and knelt, his hand nearly touching the concrete walkway. Shade bounded through the shadows to his hand, and rolled around, just below his hand. William readily pet his dark friend, who purred soundly. “Stay safe out there, alright Shade?”

Shade looked up from licking his side, his tongue held out in a slight way that looked absolutely silly on his face. William pet him again behind the ears before rising to his feet. He continued to the theater.

From outside, William saw the amassed group. Each person bickered. Nobody seemed happy. William walked through the crowd, taking his usual place on the stage where he watched the people around him. They were more animated than usual. More aggressive, more concerned.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Erasmus eventually showed up, hands raised in his usual way, and calmed the group. He joined William on the stage, though William kept his eyes on the crowd, gauging their reaction. Though they never stated it, they didn’t like that he sat there.

“For those of you who don’t know,” Erasmus began, “we’ve found the Necromancer.”

William scanned the group for their reactions, most of them did know this, but he also noticed some people were missing. He’d have to tell Erasmus later. But, the group looked disturbed. Some looked excited, but others were worried as if this revelation came at a cost.

“The Necromancer is a priest in the church.” If Erasmus hadn’t spoken with such conviction, William was certain that the group would have turned violent. Instead, only vocal outrage swept through the group. Many cried out that they didn’t believe it, others were sad, likely dejected at their chances at humanity, and others were only scared. After a time, Erasmus continued.

“We saw a picture of the priest. Some of our people saw him in person. He matches what I saw.” Erasmus pointed to the group that saw him in the plaza, urging them forward, and handed them the picture of the priest from an All Souls Festival flier. They took one look at the picture each and confirmed the truth of Erasmus’ words.

“Since he’s in the church, we know he’ll be at the festival.” Erasmus’ tone held a dark, defeated cast as if he didn’t want it to be true either. He quickly shed all doubt and continued, clad in his usual fervor and power, “we saw him near the supplies. He may still be planning something. We don’t know if he is working with the church, or if he’s going to harm it. We need to be there, we need to prevent any harm from coming their way.”

William watched the group, their emotions turned with Erasmus’ words. No longer were they defeated, or fearful, they were united in purpose. Erasmus explained the plan. For the most part, it was comprised of being ready and waiting for the priest to appear. “We will prevent any harm from befalling the church. We have our purpose, it is not as his puppets. We act in service of life itself. What better chance to prove ourselves, than to turn in a false priest on such a holy day?”

The entire group, united in purpose, turns in for the morning. They all turned to leave for the day, glad in their mission, all worries and fears forgotten for the moment.

William nodded along and watched the group leave, glad that the end neared. Once the priest is found, then he can disappear again, he can rest.