The sky’s mysterious curtain shades my world to an auburn crimson. I stand with Cresalin outside the cathedral's walls to the scattered farmlands. The smell of manure is abundant, yet the clear view interweaves me. The trees are miles away as the mountains subside in the background. How fortunate I am to spend this beautiful night with her company... This was nothing more than a formality, of course. She offered a detailed tour inside and outside the cathedral’s walls. However, I needed a break from the sight of my predicament...
The old man had been buried the day prior with a—lacking attendance. It was unfortunate. I hope his next life will be more pleasant wherever he goes... Then, there was that experience I had with the apparition. The strange sights were one of many concerns I had that night. My—inner self leashes my actions and words, thus portraying me as a deviant... What stirred within me to become that man? Perhaps my dedication to my profession has left me in an isolated state—or the nature of my being sought revenge.
I suddenly wonder if Cresalin has ever had this problem before, of course I would never ask such questions. But there was a question I did have: “I had never thought the community would be this well-organized. Were you not amply supplied by the capital?”
Cresalin adjusted her hands over her lower abdomen before she spoke, “We were never sure that your people could keep us satisfied forever. Surely, it would be beneficial to prepare.”
“It was a wise decision...” I glance at the fields, “How many farmers do you have out there?”
“Just the two families, The Grestavs and the Howlis. The families usually visit the chapel once a week. Most of the time, they spend their days in the fields.”
“What about that hooded stranger over there?” I pointed in the direction.
Cresalin notices the garments of this character. The hood was rounded, just like hers, but the color was a different shade, violet instead of black. The gold strands are out on the back instead of the shoulders.
“I do not know of him...” she replied.
“Phader!” a man called out for me. He runs towards me, panting and distressed.
I patiently wait for his response.
“Derek Grestav be the name, sir,” he said with a slight bow, “I did not come to you for a simple chat. My daughter needs your help!”
I replied with a short response: “Lead me.”
Together, the three of us rushed across the fields until we reached Derek’s house. Inside, he led us to one of the closed rooms where his wife stood distraught in front of the door.
He said to her: “Tis alright, my love. Cresalin and the preacher are here to help our daughter.” He carefully leads us away from the door and then nods to go in.
I open the door with Cresalin behind me; together, we witness a young girl entangled in a dreary circumstance. Pale as snow, eyes darkened from the lack of rest. Compared to a corpse, there would be a minimal difference.
Cresalin walks forward to meet with Youngling. Lowering herself with a reassured smile, she then asks for the girl’s name. No reply was given. She tries again with a different question: “Did somebody hurt you?” Still, no reply has been given.
Derek explains the details: “Some entity has possessed my daughter, Isabella. Her mind is not like it used to be.”
Cresalin confidently said: “The Phader and I can solve any problem. I can assure you...”
I asked Derek if he could explain the recent events that could lead to this issue. Everything seemed normal except for The scarecrow he mentioned; his daughter has a strange fascination with the object. Her father caught her talking and—feeding it her scraps as well. Going as far as to watch it happen during the night, then stabbing it with his knife. In time, he is convinced of a rodent and nothing more... And even if it was a rodent, it should be properly disposed of.
Cresalin and I set out to perform such a task.
She asked me: “Do you expect there to be something strange about this object?”
“Everything that has happened to me in the past month has been strange... This is no different. From what I have learned, the supernatural is unpredictable—inconsistent in devious ways.”
I examined the entire scarecrow until noticing the torn hole at the back. At first, I figured the farmer stuffed straw inside without patching the hole. That idea was tossed once I noticed the piece of ripped fabric near my boot. It had been sealed before... No rodent would carefully remove the patch in a precise manner.
I grab the scarecrow’s shoulder, then shake it violently to see if anything moves inside. There is not a single stir or sound to be heard from. This entity is patient... Like the confident idiot, I plunge my left hand into the bundle of straw to find anything unusual... I felt a moist object. I pulled it out and saw a long tan root. Continuing with the same strand led me to the end or beginning rather. It was a large potato; the texture was rough and muddy as if it had been dragged across the field multiple times. The shape is uncanny, resembling a warped face. It did not take a minute to wonder if this was the anomaly.
I return with the spud firmly grasped around my fingers. I said to Derek: “Warm your fire. I have the rodent you seek.”
“Rodent...? Are you jesting, preacher?” he scoffed.
“Warm the fire—and we will find out.”
He kindles the dry wood pieces without any more questions until the flames scorch the lumber.
Indeed, a potato does not easily get engulfed in the flames and rather softens the contents within. At best, the skin will char... I want evidence of his spud being a living entity with its own concealed thoughts. The fire will make it talk or scream in agony. Without delay, I tossed the potato into the fire—only for it to catch me within its roots! The damn thing penetrated my skin and swung around! I let out a faint grunt as I tried to remove it. The others quickly rush over to assist me! Cresalin grabs the potato, trying to jerk the roots out of my skin. Suddenly, the shape opens, revealing human-like eyes and mouth-containing teeth.
Derek rushes over with a hatchet, ready to tear it apart. The plant hastily removes itself from my limbs and squirms out the door before the hatchet blade can reach it. We kept chasing this bastard through the crop field to the forest and, eventually, the cave. We had to stop our trail here.
I told the others: “It’s too dangerous to go inside. We should gather some men and supplies.”
“Phader, we must do something about that thing!” Derek insisted.
“I shall remain here and keep watch. Just in case he tries to escape.”
“Your arm!” Cresalin pointed out, worried.
I raised my arm, seeing the blood trickling down and around my hair fibers. “It has a slight burning sensation and nothing more. I will be fine for now.”
“Here, Phader,” Derek said while holding the hatchet, “You should at least be armed when fighting that beast.”
I took it and replied with a simple nod... Before I knew it, I was alone in the wilderness, waiting for this creature to reveal itself as the others gathered hastily.
#
That Auburn sky dissipates into a nightly curtain. My only light source came from the crackling flames of the makeshift fire. I rest by its side, keeping my eyes peeled towards the abyss. With the hatchet in my grasp, I felt slightly unease from this whole predicament—though anxious about the outcome. Just as my fears start creeping into this dear ole head of mine. Cresalin and a group of knights come to my side, armed and ready for the task.
She spoke first: “I had brought the aide you requested, Phader.”
Alen scoffed, “I see you finally have taken my advice. Killing these damn creatures is truly the best and only option.”
I replied: “There is no time to quarrel over previous matters. I expect you to get the job done and nothing more.”
He said nothing more.
I turned to Cresalin, “You should stay out here with someone by your side. I do not know what lies beyond that void.”
“I’m coming with you, Phader,” she said, gripping my hand, “Please, we are in this together!”
I only wanted to keep her safe from any danger... but her eagerness could not be ignored, and it might be more dangerous out here than inside; alas, only time will tell. “Stay close to me...” I replied, then turned to the other knights, “Let's go inside and rid the world of this foul creature.”
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There was nothing more unsavory than venturing into the depths. Surrounded by the endless dark, the sun’s warming beams will never permit entry here. Just the light I and my colleagues have in hand. The deeper we transversed, the question of quantity brought forth an extra layer of worry. Perhaps that’s my paranoia kicking me... That smell, rancid that damn smell was when it entered my senses. Earthly yet—rotted with a glaze of copper. My surroundings became humid, reflecting our forms among the abstract stones. I turn over to Cresalin for a moment. Her face gave no fearful expression but rather a familiar look. She turns her head to the side, expecting a shaped stone to be present. She then turned her gaze towards me as I looked away.
My curious nature did not permit me to watch my step. Stained on my boot, I find a strange black substance drooling with a white slime. That smell, this rot, I now know what this is. It might seem like a joke, but someone could be stashing spuds here.
A figure emerges from the darkness suddenly, then walks forward into the light of my torch. The round hood with clothes dyed violet instead of black. There was something strange about his eyes. They were grey as the clouds in the sky; the pupils turned in every direction without much focus.
The knights readied their swords as they took to my side. To calm tensions, I speak to the stranger: “Greetings, I am a Phader to the ‘Cathedral of Vow.’ We have come for a beast lurking down here.”
“I know not of this beast...” he replied coldly, “It would be wise for you all to turn back now.”
“Why so?” I replied.
“Can’t you see he’s hiding something!” Alen blurted out.
“I hide nothing of value, stranger,” he readjusts his round hood. “This place is dark for the mind to handle. Staying for too long could produce troubling outcomes... The presence of phantoms. They are not meant to be seen for too long; they require the naked eye.”
“We are not planning to stay here for long...” I reassured him, “We are hunting for only one thing. Once we have it—you will no longer have to worry about us anymore.”
“You speak words of peace, Phader. A counter to that of your god... What are you doing, dwindling yourself in that old religion? Do you expect me to trust you?”
“I do not know what you mean. I speak to you as a friend and nothing more—nor less.”
“Spoken like the trickster god, ‘Blood,’” he scoffed.
“We are wasting time here,” Alen rushed. He gripped the stranger's hood and tugged him closer, “You will step out of the way before I break every bone in your body.”
The stranger’s gaze did not show fear nor hatred, only patience.
Alen tosses him and waves for the others to follow.
“I apologize for my friend,” I said to the stranger.
He remains still against the wall as I and the others continue forward. It did not take long for us to reach the cavern's end. The walls are covered with that same black and white substance, oozing onto the surface. There are hills scattered around, containing only potatoes in every stack. The stench finally reached its peak, leading Cresalin to almost vomit from its musk.
“How are we supposed to find this bastard!?” Alen said in his frustration.
“Do not fret,” I said, “It is very different than the common you see before you. The roots of this creature act like its limbs. These do not contain the roots they once possessed, giving us an advantage.”
Everyone was silent as they examined the piles. Not knowing how long this search would take, they thought of retreating. Remembering the oath to their community, they eventually gave in to their—uncomfortable surroundings.
Minutes have passed since we began. In our time, there was no progress to be made, or so it seems now. My findings lead me to find something of interest. Upon the blood-stained bedroll, a red book lays on the pillow. I took it and then concisely read its contents. These pages contain personal entries from a man named Sarian. For now, I closed the book and kept it under my arm.
“I’m finding nothing here...” said Alen, “It may have returned outside—and that stranger could be a danger to us. What should we do with him?”
I approached the man again, “Sarian, it is dangerous for you to stay here. Please come with us.”
“My name is not—Sarian...” the stranger replied, “I am the Galik-Brusadore. The one who speaks for the goddess of autonomy.”
“Galik-Brusadore?” I questioned, “I have heard of that title somewhere before, but I do not kno—” my memories strike like a hammer; I recall his kind, his religion... “How many of you are there?”
“Only I...”
This bastard is lying to me, “Alen, take Galik to the dungeon. I can’t have his kind roaming these lands.”
#
My patience can only last so long until I make an aggressive decision. Yet, when I had the Galik locked away in the cathedral, I knew it was the right one to make. True, he had not committed any crimes as far I know, but his religion (which follows the teachings of Hettalies) has done more devious deeds than the common bandit; no, they are bandits... Before I became a Phader, the capital was in ruin because of their beliefs. I can still remember those days with a sour feeling in my stomach... However, with these thoughts in my head, I must focus on what is most important.
The moon hangs over the horizon as the final hours play their lasting Symphony. I rest at the table alongside Cresalin and one of the many knights. We keep the family’s house on guard in case the creature makes its return. Passing the time, I opened the book I had previously taken and then began reading its—uncomfortable tales, richly diseased with an obsession hidden behind the words of pietism.
Sleeper has blessed me with the soul of purity—away from all corruption. A longing tears my soul as she roams the fields, guiding her hands along the flowing waters. I shall take her for myself—so no one can intrude upon the simple mind...
I was appalled by his reference to Isabella. The final page struck me more than before—an occurrence none would dare consider. The page includes an image of the creature I had encountered before, along with the body of a man bleeding onto it.
My dearest Isabella. The Galik Brusadore has offered me something I cannot refuse—a chance for you and me to live forever in eternity. The process is a painful one... But the sanctity of our love is eternal! My blood will spill upon the soil, sprouting a form that can live off the very essence of this world.
“Did you find anything interesting?” Cresalin suddenly asked me.
“I found pages that describe one’s obsession... I have never seen anything in my life that contains such wickedness.”
“Then why do you keep it with you? Would it be better to destroy it?”
“I must keep it for evidence—and though I’m skimming through the pages, I find many interesting pieces of information. For example, the concept of soul transference, the bending of reality through living beings...”
“You find the rituals of Hettalies interesting? I never thought you would consider the idea.”
“I don’t consider them for practice—no, I might find the scattered information useful to my understanding of these rituals...”
Before I spoke anymore, I had to remind myself that speaking of any interest in the Demoness Hettalies could send me to a swift execution. After all, she is a taboo because of her involvement in the downfall of our kingdom. Witnessing such tragedies rots me from the inside, remembering those days—again, I digress from the topic.
I continued: “Sarian obsession is clearly stated in his words. He will stop at nothing until he takes Isabella for himself.”
“What do you propose?”
I replied: “Waiting here for one night will do nothing for us in the long-term... Stupidity might flow through my thoughts when I say this, but I—should provoke him.”
She slightly chuckled, “Truly, you can’t be serious, Phader.”
“We could hunt him down in the forest for days, but we would be wasting our time doing so. It would be beneficial to end the parasite now.” I turned to the knight, “What do you say? Will you help me find him?”
The knight did not respond to my question, nor could I see any expression under his steel helm. He leans forward on the table, pressing his palms against the surface, grunting in agony. “No—need...” The knight grunted, “I’m already here!”
The knight unsheathes his sword and then stumbles at me, twirling the blade sporadically! I jumped out of the way in time, leaving the knight to trip over himself. “This—body is useless!” He groaned. Underneath the fabric, I noticed something crawl towards the gap, leaving a puddle of blood in his wake.
The spud reveals itself to me with a stern glare, eyes pulsating with teeth bared and ready to bite. “Why must you quarrel in my affairs, preacher!?”
I replied: “Your obsession is harming the people around you! Look at yourself now—your current state, how can one go so far?”
He crawls away from my sight, “There is no need for your words, preacher. You can rot in oblivion!”
I ran over to the fallen knight, retrieving the blade from his dead hand. Meanwhile, I hear Derek and Cresalin calling for help as they try to catch the freak... Once I could pry out the handle, I turned around instantly, charging the next. I find Derek wounded with holes through his legs while Cresalin and Isabella are in the same room together. The creature leaps onto the little girl, attaching the roots against her flesh. Cresalin attempts to pull him off but is held by the roots wrapped around her neck.
I lunge forward, thrusting down with the blade to sever the connection! The creature did not falter, only leaping away with the girl still attached and screaming. The loud cries swiftly ended as her eyes turned towards the back of her skull. “l-leave—us alone!” she demanded under the creature’s mind control.
I charged after them as they exited through the front door! And into the fields, we trekked. Trapped in this void of leaf and vine, I lose sight of the two. Soon, realizing I am the one being hunted down... I can hear them—crawling around me. I try to predict their movement and jump out of harm’s way. There was an error in my approach, and now I lay on the ground with the creature ready to strike.
The vines wrap around my neck as the sword in my hand is firmly grasped! “I can’t have you chase us any longer, preacher!”
I would never allow myself to die, not here, not ever. With my left still free, I grabbed the vine, wrapping it around my fist, then began pulling with every bit of strength this damn body of mine has! He tried to hold on to Isabella with all his might! I had to end this bastard—eventually, I was able to rip him off and pull him in my direction! I don’t know what entity inside would dare commit such an action, and yet, with this opportunity, I took it with a great bite! Chomping the upper half from the lower. His blood gushes between my teeth as the eyes flicker against my tongue. His screaming finally ceased once I tore the two sides...
The roots release their hold on me. I spat out his head and took a moment to catch my breath... The taste of copper stains my tongue—I require a stiff drink... I must take the girl back to safety. She is fortunate enough to be alive, simply unconscious from the shock. I lifted her around my arms and took her back home, where Cresalin guided me.
I take a moment to sit down, only to feel my body giving out and my eyes closing. My heart slows as this—head of mine drifts...
That dream was short-lived; I could only remember bits and pieces of those strange images—my actions. Opening my eyes, I saw the cobblestone ceiling and felt the familiar bed beneath me. The morning’s light shines through the window, striking my weary eyes; such a burden could not outweigh the strains in my body. My legs, arms, feet, and head all soar from the previous night. I sat up on my bed to stretch my limbs carefully, and with a curious glance, I saw a platter of food on the table next to me. There was a note on the side with Cresalin’s name etched at the bottom.
If you are reading this Phader. You do not have to worry about the family any longer. They now rest easy, thanks to you. The bread was specially made for you as a token of their gratitude... Be sure to rest easy and not stray too far from your bed. I shall return in time to help with your recovery.
I’m glad I was of some use to them... This bread has a delightful scent, making me eager to try it. Without hesitation, I took a bite, leaving the longing for respite absent... Before I rest, I should prepare my letter and send it to the capital; hopefully, they will not think of my words as lunacy. With evidence by my side, I will not have to worry about such things.