MEANWHILE
Katri had to admit she had been foolish. She wouldn’t say it out loud, but Brother Lecter had been correct. For all the wrong reasons, of course, but still. Had she granted his desire to equip those wretched Longshanks, she could have used her vision to follow his travels.
The truth was that she despised the rusty armour with all her heart. They reminded her of that despicable heretic. The simple association had been enough to wish the awful things out of her sight, but it hadn’t been the right decision. She could admit that now, at least to herself.
The real agony of the situation was that when she closed her eyes, she could still see them. Upon entering her gifted trance, Katri found herself bombarded with divine visions straight from the All-Mother. The sight of those dreaded Rusty Longshanks were one of the most vivid sights available to her, but she turned away from them and her vision soon moved on to other prophetic sights.
Katri wished the All-Mother would grant her visions upon request. For example, at this precise moment, she would demand to see Squiffy, her adorable, albeit confused, familiar. Unfortunately though, the visions didn’t seem to focus on specific individuals. Instead, she could only pass between objects. Powerful objects of great import, but objects none-the-less.
Katri didn’t like to appear ungrateful. After all, the All-Mother’s gift had led Katri to her own armour. This armour, she wore it now, was sublime. Each piece carried enchantments that benefited her beauty and presence in the most subtle and appealing ways. She felt protected and ascended. Katri wasn’t embarrassed to admit that she enjoyed the feeling inside when every eye turned her way whenever she entered a room. She adored the little moments when she gave someone her full attention and in response their iris’s widened and their breath seemed to catch in their throats. Katri felt her influence over those that surrounded her grow with every day. It was absolutely clear that the All-Mother intended her to lead. The All-Mother intended Katri to command. Katri felt truly blessed.
But as the All-Mother’s chosen, Katri couldn’t help but feel she was entitled to more. Her faith, after all, was so heartfelt and pure. Her actions, in the All-Mother’s name, were of greater consequence and deliberation than any other. Compared to Katri, the other Gifted Sisters’ favours seemed paltry and forgettable.
So why did Katri have this sinking feeling?
Why had Squiffy fled into the wilderness?
Last night, Katri had been plagued with dreadful nightmares, but none had become vivid. None had coalesced into a blessed vision from the All-Mother. Katri supposed the vision would come tonight.
She sensed that an important realisation awaited her when next she entered her meditation, but something was causing her to hesitate.
If only that buffoon Lecter would return with Squiffy, she would have no need to worry. At least he could send word, so that she needn’t be waiting up past sunset for news of the chase.
She glared through the window at the moonlit rooftops of Pentamorel. With a huff, she flopped back onto her pillows and closed her eyes. She shouldn’t miss sleep over her champion’s incompetence. If a vision was coming, let it come.
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NULL
I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. Not that that should be too surprising, all things considered. I was running for my life from a Squirrel battalion, a shape-shifting monstrosity, and a small group of hunters led by Brother Lecter the fucker that ripped my head off the last time we met. More than enough reason to feel uncomfortable… Though, none of that could quite explain why I felt that someone was breathing down my neck.
Still, I didn’t have time to think about that. We were in trouble.
The woods had darkened around us to such an extent that I couldn’t tell if the dark shapes around me were my allies or the looming trees. Activating Spirit Seek was an assurance, but Riffy’s red tail was my main source of comfort. As long as I could see him, I knew I was still running in the correct direction.
I trusted that Serilla still ran beside me. She had gripped my hand for a while, but as the path became more treacherous, we had been forced to part. Her vision was better than mine though, so I probably didn’t need to worry. But in the darkness, I kept imagining it was Herst lurching beside me waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
“Serilla?” I asked.
“I’m here.”
Just checking.
At the edge of my sensory range, another vibrating form appeared. Whatever it was, they were gaining on us.
“Shit.”
“What is it?” Serilla whispered.
“Something’s close.”
“The Shifter?”
“I can’t tell. It’s moving fast.”
“What should we do?” I recognised the panic in her voice.
“Keep running. I’ll delay them.”
I slowed down and turned to take aim with the quicksilver blast.
Serilla’s footsteps faded ahead and then the crunch of whatever approached began to increase.
The quicksilver bubbling in my palm was harder to control than the last attempt. Most likely, that was because I was stressed beyond my limit.
Calm down.
I channeled all the quicksilver I could muster into my palm and focused on streaming it into a flowing sphere.
The vibrating figure drew closer. They dodged between obstacles with apparent ease. Now that they were closer, I could see they were small. Too small to be Herst. Perhaps Hesta had taken another form?
It’s possible, I thought. I hope it’s her. Lets finish this once and for all.
The figure leapt over something with a flap of wings.
Wings? Not a squirrel then.
I steadied my arm and prepared to fire.
“Meow,” said a squawky voice.
“Chompi? You fucker.” I half sighed, half growled.
I almost fired at the stupid Pygmy Griffon anyway, but just then a wave of vibrating figures appeared on the edge of my sensory field.
I aimed over Chompi’s head and fired at the crowd in the darkness. The sphere of quicksilver jerked out of my palm, sending me tumbling back with the recoil. It soon disappeared into the darkness. I could only hope it would slow them a little.
“Come on,” I growled at the dumb chicken-cat, then turned and ran to catch up with Riffy and Serilla.
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MEANWHILE
Katri jerked up in bed and screamed.
“It’s him. It’s him. He lives.”
She looked down at her hands where she clenched the soft silk of her bed sheets. Her knuckles were white, arms trembling. She had broken out in a cold sweat. The nightmares had descended into a confusing vision of the forest at night and a gradual, dawning realisation of something truly horrific.
Movement at the window caught her eye.
“Mistress, forgive me for approaching without permission, but I feared you were in danger,” said Brother Jaspon.
The blue-haired elf perched on the window sill. Males were not permitted to enter the convent. Jaspon was pushing the limit of his duties to cross the boundary and the expression on his face told Katri he knew it. But she was glad he had come. She needed him.
“You must summon Sister Franki and Captain Horax,” said Katri.
“Pardon Mistress, but I do not think they would respond to my summons.”
“They will come if you tell them it is a direct command from the All-Mother herself, spoken through the lips of her most faithful Chosen Sister.”
Jaspon hesitated. He doubted he would even be allowed to approach the Frontier Captain, let alone summon him from his bed in the middle of the night, but he dare not voice such doubts.
“Go quickly,” said Katri. “I will meet them in the courtyard shortly.”
Jaspon nodded and dropped from the window sill.
Once again, Katri was alone and the hammering of her heart climbed up her throat.
As expected, a vision had come to her in her sleep. A dark woodland and the sounds of a chase. In the darkness, she had struggled to note much detail. She was certain the focus of the dream had been a set of armour worn by a tall warrior, but she had not been able to identify much about him. The sense of uncertainty and worry hadn’t elapsed. Throughout the vision, her dread had only grown.
Then, he had spoken and she knew his voice. She convinced herself she was only imagining the familiarity. She told herself it was only fear tricking her into imagining the cursed heretic. He could not have returned. He could not be stronger now than even before. It was impossible. The All-Mother would never allow such a thing.
Then the armoured man had stopped in the darkness and prepared some strange magic and through a break in the trees, a ray of moonlight had fallen on his annoying, handsome face.
It was Null. There could be no doubt. The cursed heretic lives. He bit me! How dare he continue to exist?
Katri had awoken with a terrible panic. She knew she must calm herself. She must return to the vision before meeting with the councillors. She must return to the vision and turn her eyes away from the heretic to locate the nearest landmarks. Only then could she find his exact location.
Katri breathed deeply and prepared herself to plunge back into the nightmare. The heretic had been armoured once more. Before closing her eyes, she promised herself that this time she would see that the armour was gifted to one loyal to herself. She must create an army of armoured warriors who would follow her without question. With her gift she would watch them to ensure loyalty and success in every endeavour.
In the All-Mother’s name, Katri must learn from her mistakes. In the All-Mother’s name, Katri must see all. In the All-Mother’s name Katri would lead the hearts and minds of all who follow her completely, entirely. After all, she deserved to rule. Yes, she alone deserved to command. She had nothing to fear, the All-Mother had chosen her above all others.
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Who else is worthy? No one, but Katri.
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NULL
With Chompi ahead of me, it didn’t take long to catch up to Serilla and Riffy. The Pygmy Griffon was smart enough to lead me along a trail without too many obstacles.
I sensed the enemy behind us, but they were still a way off. My suspicion was that none of them wanted to be the first to engage. They were staying close together, hoping to catch us while remaining in formation.
I glanced behind and saw the flicker of torch light. That was probably Lecter. When we fought, I hadn’t taken him for the sort to have trained his Perception a great deal. He had probably relied on someone else to do the tracking for him. Much like Hesta and Katri had relied upon Vidari to track for them when they first found me.
“Null?” It was Serilla’s voice.
“Yes,” I said. “It’s me and Chompi. He followed us.”
“Good boy,” said Serilla.
Chompi squawked with pleasure.
“He led them straight to us,” I said.
“He didn’t mean to,” said Serilla. “He was probably scared.”
Before I could argue, I spotted the flicker of torch light ahead of us. Could the enemy have cut off our escape so quickly?
“Riffy, do you know what that is up ahead?”
“Campfire,” said Riffy.
“Should we go around it?” Serilla asked.
“Slow, slow, slow.”
“Riffy is right. We should just run straight through.” I picked up my pace. “Riffy, how much further to Widdle Stump?”
“Near.”
“Get behind me,” I said.
A few moments later, we burst into a clearing where two figures huddled around a campfire. At the sound of our approach, they turned to face us.
“You,” said Vidari.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I asked.
Imber just stared dumbly at me.
“He’s too weak to travel on the road,” said Vidari. “Because of you, we had to spend the last few hours creeping through the woods. We would never survive a run-in with bandits.”
“I’m sure you know every bandit already. They’re probably friends of yours,” I said.
Vidari glared.
Imber nodded. “We know some, but there are still plenty of threats. We thought it was better to risk the woodlands than the open road.”
“Whatever. We don’t have time to stop. We’re being chased.” I started running again.
“Null, stop,” said Serilla. “We can’t just leave them here.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Monster,” said Riffy.
My first thought was of Lecter, but then I realised they were worried about Herst/Hesta.
“The Shifter is coming this way. We’re outnumbered,” I said. “You can come with us if you want, or you can stay here. Either way, they’ll be here soon. You have less than a minute.”
I turned to run.
“He can’t move fast enough,” said Vidari.
Imber was staring into the campfire. His cheeks were burning red.
He had been set back to level zero because of me. It was that or death. He would regain skills quickly, if he was smart enough to train them. But that would only work if he survived the first night.
Shit. I really don’t owe him anything. Why do I feel guilty?
He was actually in a great position. He has a nice set of armour, the possibility to quickly advance his core stats and unlock unique skills at an early level. If he’s smart, he could soon surpass his past abilities.
That’s an enviable position… if he survives.
“Damn it,” I said, strolling toward Imber. “Get up.”
“Why?”
“Just do it,” I said.
He rose to his feet with a confused expression.
I crouched down in front of him. “Get on my back.”
“What? No.”
“Just do it.”
“I’m too heavy. My armour is really heavy too.”
“Vidari, you carry his armour,” I said. “We don’t have time to fuck around. Just do it.”
Imber sighed and pulled off his breastplate.
Soon, I was stumbling through the trees with a full grown man on my back.
“Riffy, how close?”
“Near, near, near.”
“Where are we heading?” Imber whispered.
“Widdle Stump,” I huffed.
“Widdle Stump?” Vidari asked. “I’ve heard the rumours, but it really exists?”
“Yep, yep, yep,” sang riffy.
I had a sinking feeling in my chest and a dreaded tingle running up my back. It wasn’t because Imber’s bare belly was pressed to the back of my armour.
Widdle Stump… please exist!
Once again, I had the ominous feeling that I was being watched, but the sensory vibrations were still far behind us.
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MEANWHILE
The courtyard echoed with the stamp of many feet as Captain Horax led a line of armed Frontier guards through the archway.
Sister Franki sat on one of the benches beside the convent matriarch. Both wore sleepy and suspicious expressions.
Once the armoured Frontier men were stationary, Sister Franki spoke up.
“Well, Brother Jaspon, we have arrived as… requested. Yet, the young Sister is not here. This night call is highly irregular, perhaps we should reschedule for the morning?”
Brother Jaspon sunk further into the shadows and his voice rose to barely more than a whisper. “I assure you, my Mistress appeared most alarmed. I’m sure these summons are of the utmost importance. We thank you so much for—”
“Yes, thank you for attending. The All-Mother would expect no less, but your dutiful response will not go unnoticed.” Katri marched into the center of the courtyard, her golden braid glistening in the light of the of torch she held overhead.
“It is not customary for the Captain of the guard to be summoned by a Sister of the Devout and I do not enjoy being spoken down to,” said Horax, his pulse rising. The girl was beautiful, there was no denying it, but his words were true. He couldn’t allow himself to be spoken to like this in front of his men.
“No offence was intended, Captain.” Katri smiled at the hardened veteran. “I requested your presence because the need is dire and your competence and abilities are unrivalled in Pentamorel. We have need for an army.”
Captain Horax’s eyebrows shot up over his forehead. “You wish for an army? You certainly have my attention.”
“The All-Mother has need for all of us. I can only follow the guidance she offers me. I will follow her orders, as will the other faithful. The question you must ask yourself, Captain, is whether you have faith or whether you have doubt?”
“What is this need?” said the Matriarch. “This is nonsense, girl.”
“I am the Chosen Sister, gifted by the All-Mother. You would do well to address me as such.” Katri snapped.
“You are one of many. The All-Mother has bestowed gifts such as yours upon many of her daughters. It does not entitle you to summon the councillors to my convent at your whim.”
“I am a vessel of the All-Mother’s will. You damned blasphemer!”
“You are a precocious brat,” said the Matriarch. “I have had quite enough of your strutting around the sanctum like you own the place. I’ve seen your type before and I’m not falling for the pious act for a second. This gift of yours is next to common place and your entire act is all a demand for attention. Don’t think we haven’t heard of what happened at the Temple of Saluke. The All-Mother would never approve of such behaviou—”
The old Matriarch dropped to the ground, her eyes fluttering closed.
Around the courtyard, the observing sisters gasped and a few of the guards cleared their throats, but no one stepped forward. As far as anyone could tell, the old woman had simply collapsed. No one had even moved.
Brother Jaspon sunk further into the shadows with a panic burning in his chest where moments ago a terribel fury had risen. How dare that old bitch speak to his Mistress like that? The sudden protective rage had surprised him. He had only taken the job of defending the girl as a shortcut up the ranks, but somewhere along the way his motivation had changed. Mistress Katri, yes, she’s the real deal. How dare some old fool say anything to the contrary? She should bow down and apologise. But the panic he felt was wise too. He should not have used his magic in this place. If he had been caught… it was unimaginable.
Horax had intended to step forward to help the poor woman, but he had instead glanced to Sister Katri and in doing so had lost his initiative.
Katri’s lips which had moments ago been twisted into a furious grimace, now stretched into a beautiful, full-lipped smile. “I think perhaps, the All-Mother has intervened to forestall any further interruptions. Sister Alersi, would you be so kind as to guide the Matriarch to her bed?”
One of the robed Sisters bowed timidly, then stepped forward to guide the Matriarch inside. As their footsteps faded, the Matriarch’s voice rose up weakly.
“I don’t understand. Where are we?”
Then, a door creaked closed and the courtyard returned to silence.
“The heretic has returned,” said Katri. All eyes were glued to her now and she began to stride back and forth, her flawless armour flashing. “He has grown stronger than before. He is armoured and accompanied by beasts and villains. Members of your own Frontier have fallen under his spell. He is a threat to Pentamorel, our way of life, the faith. Every single one of us is in danger and we must act now… before he grows bold enough to come to us.”
“The heretic?” Captain Horax frowned, he felt oddly dazed. “Do you mean the boy who died at the hands of your champion mere days ago?”
“Yes.” Katri beamed at him.
“He’s back is he?” asked Horax, returning Katri’s smile. “Well, that is interesting. He didn’t strike me as much of a threat and of course, he certainly isn’t the first person to have returned from death. It is unusual, but scarcely unheard of. What makes you sure he’s a threat? As I recall, his trial was somewhat farcical in nature. He pretty much sentenced himself to death when we were close to pardoning him.”
Horax had expected Katri to laugh and was disappointed to see she averted her gaze.
Katri sneered at the ground as she tried to compose herself. She hated being disrespected like this. Why won’t these people simply do as commanded? Lecter and Jaspon are perfectly willing and obedient. Why do some people resist the All-Mother’s will while others are so easily lead? Still, the All-Mother had intervened moments ago, perhaps she would intervene again.
Katri waited for the Captain to fall down, but he remained where he stood. Staring expectantly at Katri as the silence pressed upon the crowd.
Katri breathed and considered the Captain. Everyone desires something, she reminded herself. He was strict, battle-hardened, and confident, but he also watched her every movement with a restrained hunger. What do you crave, Captain?
Katri placed her hands on her hips and noticed the captain’s eyes admiring her armour.
“The All-Mother rewarded the Frontier for following my guidance before. The equipment your smiths gained was highly valuable, as I understand it.”
Captain Horax nodded thoughtfully.
“The heretic is already equipped with more powerful armour,” Katri spoke softly now. She leaned forward as though speaking just for the Captain. “He will continue to amass hordes of weaponry and gear. He will equip his followers and all manner of beasts and villains will soon be falling upon Pentamorel.”
Her voice grew plaintive and quiet.
The Captain leaned forward to listen closely.
“We must act now, brave captain, or we will be overwhelmed. You are the senior officor of the Frontier. If my humble faith is not enough to sway you, perhaps your noble sense of duty will be?”
Captain Horax sighed. He could smell the gentle perfumed scent of her hair as she leaned closer.
“From the armour we reclaim,” Katri continued. “The Frontier will need to work fast to discover its secrets.”
Horax nodded. The Frontier was always in need of gear. The one thing the Frontier offered that the other factions couldn’t supply was a constant flow of new and improved gear to its members. If this girl truly had the ability to locate the best equipment, as his spies informed him, then keeping her as an ally was of the utmost importance.
Horax understood this, but he couldn’t just follow this girl like he was subordinate. What would the troops think? It was clear she wouldn’t suffer anything other than obedience from those around her. It had taken many years of diligent work to rise through the ranks of the Frontier. Horax wasn’t quite ready to return to a submissive role, least of all to a young woman with no real experience in battle. Perhaps, he thought, she would accept him as an equal?
Katri could see that Captain Horax was on the verge of committing. She placed a hand on his arm. “Captain, we need you. The All-Mother calls to you by these lips, you are needed.”
Horax stared at Katri’s pouting pink lips. He hadn’t noticed that her lips matched the colour of the hem of her armour before. He had fallen in love once, years ago. The object of his affections had been the daughter of a local tradesmen. But duty had split them apart.
Horax hadn’t been a captain back then, he had been a mere guard and his station had been constantly on the move. When he returned to Pentamorel, the young tradesmen’s daughter had already married. He had drunk himself into a stupor upon discovering the heartbreak. That had been a long time ago, a lifetime even
Funny, he thought. Why am I remembering such things? I don’t even recall her name. I remember she was beautiful though. Pretty enough to turn the wind. Perhaps she was almost as beautiful as Sister Katri?
Sister Katri turned her head to the side as though reading his thoughts. Her golden braid rolled over her shoulder and came to rest between the breastwork on her armour.
Her armour was truly splendid, Horax realised. The designs were detailed and fancifully intricate. Yet, the functional purpose was never in doubt. This was never designed to be the armour of some pompous noble. Katri wore a masterwork and it fit her perfectly. Perhaps there was some truth to the rumours of the All-Mother’s favour.
Yes, she may not have experience in the field, but she is certainly wise and gifted. Perhaps following her for a while, wouldn’t be so hard after all?
Katri’s eyes flashed and a gorgeous smile crept onto her face. She patted Horax’s arm.
“Will you trust me, Captain?” she asked.
Horax felt a warm flutter at the question. His gaze passed from her lips to her eyes and as he stared into the perfect blue abyss, he was alone with only Katri. Just the two of them in perfect harmony. It was absurd to think that he had ever doubted her faith or quality. It would be an honour to follow her.
Katri’s eyes glowed joyfully. “Captain?
“Sorry,” he felt suddenly hot under the collar. What had she asked him? “What was the question?”
“Will you trust me?” Katri giggled.
“Of course,” Horax nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”
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