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The sun wasn’t visible when he awoke, yet the crows were already beginning to stir. Sounds like it’s going to be a busy day… Joy. He relished the cocoon of warmth provided by his blankets for a few minutes before pulling on his robe. The long black material still retained dirt stains from yesterday’s toils, but he had no time to wash it.
He has three charges to tend to, and it wouldn’t do to keep them waiting. This was the least of his duties but the hardest of his calling. Viktor shoved his feet into his boots, grabbed his shovel, and headed outside. No one greeted him as he headed for the graveyard.
Few rarely deigned to visit at such an early hour, and Viktor was glad. Two of the charges would arrive before evening service, giving the families time to say goodbye. But the last would not arrive till tomorrow, giving Viktor enough time to pick the best spots for his work.
Viktor reached the graveyard and looked around. Nothing moved as he made his way to the base of a small hill. After scanning his immediate surroundings again, Viktor began to dig. The ground fought him at first, but Viktor kicked and stamped his foot against his shovel until he had the first clump ready to be moved.
He smiled and repeated the motions until he had to step into the hole to get the rest of the dirt out. Viktor’s arms strained as he lifted another load, groaning as a screech pierced the air. Not again. Viktor peaked above the hole’s edge in time to see a small, gray-skinned skeletal child charging at him.
Another screech revealed at least one more, but Viktor didn’t take his eyes off the ghoul. He shifted his grip on his shovel and waited until the first ghoul was almost on top of the hole before throwing the dirt into its face. The ghoul cried out in shock but was quickly silenced by Viktor, who smacked it with the shovel and leaped out of the hole.
The first ghoul lay before him, staring dumbly ahead as he stomped on its head, crushing the skull with a practiced move. But sharp claws tore into Viktor’s shoulders before he turned around. Viktor growled, letting go of the shovel to pull the creature off. It bit his fingers and reached for his eyes, but Viktor ignored the pain as he grabbed the ghoul and swung it against the earth.
It hissed, digging its claws into any flesh it could reach, but Viktor refused to stop. Not until he heard the snap of its spine breaking, and its limbs rested limply around it. Viktor picked up his shovel and pressed the edge under the ghoul’s chin, cutting through the neck and spilling a few drops of blood on the grass.
The pre-dawn light wasn’t enough to dispel the shadows, but it was enough to allow Viktor to relax. He dragged the bodies towards the front gates, ignoring the small trickles of blood staining his robes. They would mix with the dirt and perhaps warn off more ghouls till he was done.
A soft breeze brought the smell of bread baking, causing his stomach to growl. But Viktor left the ghoul’s corpses and returned to his work. He had two more graves to dig, and the day was just beginning.
Viktor bowed his head as the last funeral of the day ended. His newest charge had been loved. The wife had provided a handsome box with some old engravings burned into the sides. And the body was wrapped in a clean tablecloth. If not for the tiny aches threatening to clench his muscles.
Viktor would have had a good day. The presiding cleric, Father Gregor, stood beside him as the visitors slowly trickled out of the graveyard and back to their lives. Father Gregor sniffed the air, wrinkling his nose before forcing a calm smile on his face. “Is there something wrong with your well again, Brother Viktor? It's not like you to… be disrespectful during a funeral.”
“My apologies, Father Gregor. Two ghouls broke through the barrier again and paid me a visit while I was digging.” The calm smile melted into true concern as the older man stared at him.
“Are you alright? Did you go to a healer?” Viktor opened his mouth, but the white-robed cleric cut him off. “No, no. Don’t even bother. I already know the answer. Come. You can finish your duties later.”
Father Gregor grabbed Viktor’s arm with the strength born of expected obedience as he pulled Viktor away from the grave and to his cottage. “Father Gregor, wait! This is nothing. I can tend to my wounds later. I-”
“You’ll do no such thing! I don’t care how used to these attacks you are. You are going to let me tend to you, and that’s final!”
“But-” Father Gregor opened the door, almost slamming it against the wall as he saw Viktor’s home. Viktor fidgeted under his elder’s silence and looked around. His home was a single room with an outhouse beside it. The tub Viktor used for washing himself and his clothes doubled as a table and is currently leaning against a wall with a small wooden bucket next to it.
Viktor’s bed used to be filled with goose feathers, but the merchant had replaced it with clean straw, and Viktor hadn’t had any problems with insects or rodents. He’d swept and dusted yesterday, and his spare clothes and books were kept in a portable cedar chest. My cottage won’t impress anyone, but it’s my home. Surely, Father Gregor will understand.
The older cleric rubbed the bridge of his nose, scratching his thick eyebrows as he looked at Viktor. “Do you have any herbs or bandages?”
Viktor swallowed and shook his head. “No, Father Gregor. I used this month’s allotment last week.”
“On yourself?” Viktor shook his head again, not daring to meet the elder’s gaze as the man glowered. “And the ghouls that attacked you this morning? What did you do with their bodies?”
“I… I left them at the gates of the graveyard, sir.” Father Gregor drew in a breath with a hiss.
“You should have brought them to the bounty house. You would’ve earned twenty coppers, more than enough to restock your medicine!”
“I had two more graves to dig, Father. I didn’t have time to deal with the ghouls and my duties.” Viktor raised his head, hoping Father Gregor couldn’t hear his heart pounding. “And the ones who took the corpses need the money more than I do.”
Father Gregor glared, blue eyes hardening as he unconsciously raised his voice. “Boy.”
“My cottage is free as long as I work here. I receive enough food, various supplies, and money to cover most expenses. And the ones left behind occasionally bring me things when they visit. I’m fine, sir. I need nothing…” Except for a helper, but who would want to live with me?
Father Gregor snorted, picked up the bucket, and muttered. “At least it's clean.” He turned to Viktor and pointed at the small fireplace. “Don’t just stand there. Start a fire. I’ll return shortly.”
“But what about”-
“I’ll have some of my assistants bury the body. It’ll do them good to get some exercise and understand part of your burden.” Father Gregor’s eyes softened as he clasped Viktor’s shoulder. “This may come as a surprise to you, my boy. But you’re not the only one who can tend to the dead. And I’m not the only one who recognizes your efforts. You’re the only Death Cleric we have, after all. You should treat yourself with better care.”
Viktor lightly squeezed his hand and sighed. “I’m starting to see why people call you the Father of Clerics. Are you like this with the other Paths as well?”
Father Gregor chuckled as he tucked the bucket under his arm. “Worse, actually. The other Paths have many fine clerics. But they don’t always train their newcomers well. That’s one of the perks of being one of the oldest clerics in a city, Viktor. Everyone must respect you, and they rarely complain to your face… Make sure that fire is going strong when I return, and take off your robe. I’ll take it with me once I’ve finished tending your wounds.”
“But”- Father Gregor stepped through the door, ignoring Viktor’s outburst as he searched for the well. Viktor sighed, kneeling in front of the fireplace with a small smile. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks the new clerics are getting out of hand. I hate to think what their trainees will be like in ten years.
The fire couldn’t banish the night’s chill, but it was enough for Father Gregor to boil water. Viktor knelt in front of him in his pants and boots. The robe he wore was neatly folded by the bed, much to Father Gregor’s amusement. “It’s nice to meet someone who can obey simple instructions. You have no idea how refreshing this is to me, Viktor. You have my gratitude.”
“It’s my upbringing, sir. My predecessor, Brother Dmitri, told me if I ever disrespected my elders without a very good reason. He’d come back from the grave and beat me with my shovel.” Father Gregor chuckled as he looked over Viktor’s wounds.
“That sounds like something he’d do. Brother Dmitri was always about respect until being shown the person wasn’t worth it… I miss him.” Viktor nodded and winced as Father Gregor rubbed some salve over the bite marks on his shoulders. Viktor wasn’t sure where he got the medical supplies but wasn’t going to anger the older man while he was at his mercy.
“I miss him too. He always knew when the barrier needed to be recharged… I can only repair it.” Father Gregor shrugged as he slapped a bandage over the wound, earning a yelp from Viktor.
“Let me guess. That’s what you were doing once you finished digging the graves?”
“Of course! I can’t sense the tears, and the ghouls charged me from two directions. It took me hours to find them!” Father Gregor wiped at a scratch near Viktor’s hip and sighed.
“How many were there?”
“Just two this time. And I found several areas that needed to be strengthened… It’s why I didn’t have time to change before the funerals. I had to prioritize the barriers over getting ready to aid the families. I apologize, Father. I’ll do better.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me, Brother. You are only one man… Have you heard anything from the leader of your Path?” Viktor shook his head.
“My letter should have arrived by now. I sent it two months ago…” To report Brother Dmitri’s death and ask permission to open his Final Wish. Viktor reached under his bed and pulled out the thick, vellum envelope. No writing graced its front, but a seal made with black wax with a bat emblazoned in its center glinted in the firelight.
Father Gregor gasped, hands hovering an inch from the last of the bandages as he stared at the envelope. “Viktor… does that mean?”
“I buried Brother Dmitri under the tree he liked to nap under. He always liked sleeping outside, especially in the winter. He said it gave him a clear head and helped keep him feeling invigorated.”
Father Gregor chuckled. “I’ve often heard him say the same thing… What will you do if you don’t receive an answer soon?”
“The only thing I can do, of course. I’ll stay here and tend the graves… And help the living enjoy their lives more… Brother Dmitri would have wanted that.”
“Brother Dmitri would have wanted you to enjoy your life as well, Viktor. You’re still young and not bad-looking. Surely you can find someone to share your life with?” Viktor laughed, rose, and tucked the Final Wish away. He felt no shame in letting Father Gregor know where it was kept.
Having at least two people know its location was good practice, and Father Gregor always treated him well. Viktor smiled and pulled out a small bottle of cheap wine and a loaf of bread. “Will you join me for a meal, Father? If your trainees are in that much need for exorcise. They won’t be finished anytime soon.”
Father Gregor chuckled but shook his head. “Thank you, Viktor. But I’m afraid I’m in the middle of a fast.” He patted his round belly and laughed. “It will be the last one this year, I think. But you are always welcome to join us in our temple if you like?”
Viktor snorted, pulled the cork out with his teeth, and spat it into the bucket while Father Gregor raised an eyebrow in amusement. “A simple no would have been sufficient, Brother.”
“I’m fairly certain clerics aren’t supposed to lie, Father. You know the others want nothing to do with me except on formal occasions. And even then, I’m barely tolerated. I tend to the dead that no one else will. The city doesn’t have an official temple for my Path and rarely permits more than two Death Clerics to live within its walls at one time.”
He toasted Father Gregor, downed the wine in a single gulp, and placed the bottle on the tub. I’ll find a use for it later. Maybe I can bring some water with me the next time I visit the poor section of the city? That’s one of the nice things about having my own well. I get to decide who to share it with for free!
Father Gregor chuckled and picked up the robes Viktor had worn that day. “Dare I ask if the rest of your clothes are this bad, my son?”
Viktor blushed and pulled out his other two sets of robes and some extra shirts and trousers. “They’re not so bad, Father. My second work robe is blood-free, and the one reserved for holidays is as spotless as the day I received it!”
“Is that because you’ve never worn it?” Viktor shook his head, admiring the charms that kept pests away and helped avoid getting his clothes dirty, as well as the silver threads on his ceremonial robes revealing a tiny bat above where it would rest over Viktor’s heart. It was the most expensive thing he owned and the first gift Brother Dmitri gave him after he completed his training.
“I attend some of the holidays… When I have to wait for the ground to unfreeze…” Father Gregor sighed and looked at the small pile of regular clothes.
“That’s why you should visit the Fire Clerics. You shouldn’t have to wait for the weather or attempt to defrost it yourself… Are these the thickest shirts you own? I dare say they’ll tear if I poke them.”
Viktor poked his shirt and smirked as the fabric remained intact. “My clothes are thick enough, Father. I never leave the cottage without a robe, and I’ve never gotten sick. You worry too much.”
Father Gregor shook his head and sighed. “I suppose you’re right… But you will give yourself time to rest after the funeral tomorrow?”
Viktor nodded, hoping his relief wasn’t clear to the older man. “I restored the barrier to full strength and finished digging the graves! Even if my services are required tonight. I can spend the rest of the night resting, Father.”
“And what about tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow should be an easy affair. Some of the family members left donations at the Spire, so I’ll go into town and restock my supplies before visiting the poor.” Father Gregor snorted and patted Viktor’s shoulder.
“Considering you let them take the corpses and who knows what else. It's the least they can do… You give too much, Viktor. I know you mean well, my son. But someday, your kind nature will get the best of you.” The old man smiled, but Viktor didn’t return it. Father Gregor sighed and said. “I’m only looking out for your well-being, my son. Just because we belong to different Paths doesn’t mean I can’t help you. And Brother Dmitri would want you to put yourself first occasionally.”
“Brother Dmitri died trying to protect a beggar from a soldier.” Viktor lightly brushed Father Gregor’s hand aside and began putting his clothes away. “My apologies, Father. But, given the beggar was unarmed and the soldier was drunk. I believe he was correct in trying to stop the soldier, and this city is worse because of Brother Dmitri’s death… I thank you for your concern and help. It’s always a pleasure speaking with you. But I must meditate now… Please, leave.”
Father Gregor glared but bit back an angry retort behind a smile. “Very well, Brother Viktor. I can only hope my words haven’t fallen on deaf ears. I shall collect my underlings and return your robe once it’s been cleaned… But allow me to leave you with one last thing.”
Viktor watched as the father pulled out a pouch and placed three purple gems next to the bottle. “Father!”
“It’s traditional to leave donations upon visiting a Death Cleric. You know how much I love upholding our traditions. And these gems are fully charged, so you can rest more.” Father Gregor’s pale blue eyes met Viktor’s shocked black ones, and smiled. “You deserve to rest, my boy. Visit a healer or a Water Cleric if you don’t believe me. They’ll talk your ear off about getting the proper rest.”
“But what do I do with them once the mana is gone? I can’t possibly keep them!” Father Gregor raised a bristly white eyebrow in amusement.
“And why not? There’s nothing wrong with using gems. And since I’m giving you three. You can charge them between uses and save some mana for emergencies… Which I recommend since you currently work alone, and it would also strengthen your abilities. But, I suppose you could always sell them if you need the extra coin?”
Viktor shook his head. “They’re too expensive! I can’t even afford a cloudy blue gem if I save for three months!”
Father Gregor shrugged and tucked his pouch into his robe. “Then it's a good thing I’m giving you three. I have no desire to watch you work yourself to death, boy. And if the situation continues. I shall speak to the king on your behalf!” Father Gregor bared his teeth in a merciless grin. “Have a good night, Viktor. I’ll see you tomorrow!”
“Father”- Father Gregor went out the door and shut it on Viktor’s words. Viktor rose, unsure what he would say, but the head of the Path of Life left the graveyard as swiftly as the wind. Viktor sighed and picked up the gems. His words do make sense, but… If I treat the poor the way he does, only to be seen when doing acts of charity. Then how can I live my life to the fullest? What does it mean to be a cleric?
Viktor didn’t find any answers through meditation, so he placed the gems into a pouch and went to bed. He didn’t know how long he’d been asleep when a large explosion shook his cottage. Viktor grabbed his shovel and raced for the graveyard. That wasn’t the work of a ghoul. Don’t tell me they lured something worse to the city?
The moon fought the clouds to pierce the mist and fog rolling up Viktor’s ankles as he entered the graveyard. But he’d barely taken five strides when he found a large crater. What kind of magic can do this?! Viktor slowly approached while looking around, but the mists refused to reveal any forms.
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Viktor looked up, hunting for any tears in the barrier, but it shimmered peacefully. If this is another prank from the Fire Clerics, I’m going to bash in their heads! “Hello? If you don’t come out now. I am legally allowed to use force to protect the graveyard and the city!”
Silence answered. Viktor kept his shovel poised to strike before risking a look into the crater. He almost yelped in surprise when he spotted a form lying inside it. “Hello? Are you alive?”
It’s not uncommon for people to dump bodies, but this is ridiculous… Viktor slowly slid into the crater and knelt at the form’s side, revealing a young girl with short white hair wearing a torn sheet of burlap. Viktor pressed his fingers to her neck and wrist before finally placing his head against her chest.
So, this is another body being dropped off. But where did she come from? This crater is huge, and she doesn’t have a scratch! Viktor shook his head and clapped his hands in prayer. “I don’t know who you are, but I’m sorry your life was cut so short. May whatever Path you follow guide you to a better place.”
How am I going to explain this to the visitors tomorrow? This crater destroyed the last grave I dug and blew away some of the trees! Viktor took a deep breath, looked up to make sure nothing was about to drop on him, and lifted the girl’s body over his shoulders before climbing out of the crater.
She must have been a noble’s pet or an unwanted child. She barely weighs anything, yet her skin is so smooth. How can she be anything else? “Apologies, my lady. But you’ll have to put up with a sheet for a shroud for now. I don’t have time to make a coffin.”
Viktor heard voices and looked up to see several men peeking through the gates. “Is everything alright, Brother Viktor? What was that noise?”
Viktor smiled and kept his voice calm, hoping they couldn’t hear his exhaustion. “Everything is fine… Someone just… Decided to cause some mischief. The barrier hasn’t been damaged, though. So you can return to your beds as I intend to do.”
Most of the men looked relieved, but the one who called out to him wasn’t convinced. “What’s that you’re carrying, Brother? Do you need help getting it to your cottage?”
Viktor opened his mouth, ready to tell the truth and see if they knew anything about the girl, when a soft voice whispered, “Lie!”
He looked at the ground and saw a small ball of light, a spirit orb floating near his ankle. The voice came again. “Lie. Please, lie. You must hurry inside!”
The man stepped forward, “Brother?”
“Lie! Get inside. Hurry!” Viktor nodded and smiled at the man.
“Everything is fine, sir. This is a dummy. Someone thought it’d be funny to toss a dummy into the graveyard and pretend it’s a body… I shall speak with my siblings on the Path of Fire. They’re always pulling little stunts and doing experiments. Luckily, they missed most of the graves!... I shall set things to rights tomorrow. Please be careful on your way home, and thank you all for coming to my aid.”
The leader still looked unconvinced but nodded as the others began to retreat. “You’ll let us know if they give you a hard time, won’t you? Prank or not, they disturbed us as much as you. It's wrong to pull such a trick, Brother Viktor. Don’t you let them get away with it!”
Viktor smiled and nodded. “I will, my friend! Have a pleasant night!”
He waited until they disappeared before looking at the spirit orb. “Greetings, little one. Do you know what happened here?”
The spirit orb flickered as it swirled around his body to hover near his nose. “Magic. Big magic. Need to go. Get inside. Not safe yet. Get inside. Hurry!”
Viktor frowned and looked at the girl’s face, grateful that the mists helped conceal the truth. “What kind of magic? Did you see who cast the spell?”
“No time. No time. Hurry. Get inside. Not safe here. Go. Hurry!” The spirit orb circled his head and zipped towards his cottage. Viktor hesitated, but the spirit orb’s cries only grew more frantic until he obeyed.
“Alright. Shh. Shush now. I’m going back to the cottage, see? I’ll wrap the girl in a sheet and go to bed. Will that satisfy you?”
“Hurry… Love you. Want to keep you safe!” Viktor chuckled as the spirit orb lit his path until he reached the door. Viktor carefully placed the body on the floor and turned back to the spirit orb, but it was already fading away. “Love you… Stay safe. Stay!”
“I will, little one. I will.” But what could frighten a spirit orb? And if it is a prank, will any good come from complaining? Viktor watched the spirit orb until its soft light faded away and turned around, only to find himself staring at a pair of deep purple eyes. Viktor froze as the girl sat up and looked around before focusing on him.
“Hello. Are you going to be my friend?” Viktor moved without thinking and tossed the girl outside, grateful that she weighed so little since she cleared his door and gave him enough time to close it before shouting.
“Away with you! This is a place for the dead. No vampires allowed!” I shouldn’t have sent those men away, but how did she get past the barrier? Are the Fire Clerics getting lazy or going crazy?! Viktor strained to hear footsteps, hoping she would walk away. But he nearly jumped when her voice leaked through the door.
“Um, excuse me? It’s rude to toss people out of your home like that, especially since you’re the one who brought me inside in the first place.”
“That’s because I thought you were a corpse! I didn’t invite you, so begone, foul creature of the night!” Does carrying a vampire into your home count as an invitation? Was she pretending to be unconscious? I should cut off her head before she can hurt anyone! His hand wrapped around his shovel, about to open the door when her voice came again.
“I’m not a vampire, sir… I’m not sure why you think that… Can you at least tell me where I am? I don’t recognize this place.” Viktor’s jaw dropped as he shouted back.
“Like hell, you’re not a vampire. I checked you. You weren’t breathing, your skin was cold, and your heart wasn’t beating. If you’re not a vampire, what are you?!” Why am I asking her this? Who cares what she is? Anything can be killed if you chop off their heads and set them on fire. There’s no way she can be anything else!
“I’m a doll. I’m sorry if I scared you, but I promise I’m not here to hurt you! I’m trying to find a friend to help me. Won’t you please open the door? We can start over and introduce ourselves this time!”
“I’m not opening this door until the sun comes out! If you’re really not a vampire, we’ll talk then!” What does she mean by “doll?” Is that slang for a prostitute? She’s pretty enough to be one… Viktor shook his head, refusing to remember the girl’s appearance even as she called out again.
“So, if you see me in the daytime. You’ll let me in and be my friend?!” Why does she sound so excited about that? Aren’t vampires supposed to fear the sun? What other creature could she be?
“No! I said I’d talk to you. I didn’t say anything about being your friend!” Did I close the gates behind the men? I can create another barrier around them to keep her in the graveyard. No one should be coming; the funeral isn’t until after morning services. Viktor did not consider himself a coward, but dealing with ghouls was nothing compared to fighting vampires, and the resulting fight might tear through his defenses and leave the rest of the city defenseless.
Disappointment laced the girl’s tone at first, but she soon became hopeful again. “Oh, I guess it's harder to make friends than I thought… Does it matter where I wait, then?”
She’s seriously going to wait?! “In front of the window. If you move, the deal’s off and I’ll cut off your head!”
“So, I just have to wait all night? Will you tell me your name, at least?” Viktor shook his head, more for himself than in response.
“Tomorrow. If you’re still here… I’ll tell you my name tomorrow.” This is either some kind of elaborate trick. Or the easiest vampire kill in history.
“Ok! I’ll see you tomorrow then. Sweet dreams!”
”Go to the window first. I wasn’t kidding. I want your where I can see you.” So I can focus on making the barrier while keeping an eye on you. The girl giggled and appeared near the window a few seconds later. She waved, grinning as he stared back, and Viktor slowly knelt in a meditation pose.
The girl tilted her head, but she didn’t react as he focused his mana and imagined a barrier forming around the gates. Maybe she can’t sense it? Vampires were once humans, after all. It makes sense that they’d have some of the characteristics they had in life.
Viktor and the girl remained where they were—staring at each other until the sun began to rise. He expected her to panic. To beg to come inside and escape the sun’s punishing rays, yet she continued to watch him as if he were the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen.
The bells ran out, signaling morning services were starting, and Viktor forced himself to stand and rub the circulation back into his legs. “That’s impossible.”
I’ve never heard of a zombie or ghoul like her. What else could she be?! The girl grinned, hope in her eyes as she waved. “Good morning! I did what you wanted, see?” She raised her arms and turned around, showing perfectly smooth tan skin and unmarked burlap. “Will you let me in now? We had a deal, after all. And it's rude to break a promise!”
“I…” What else can I do? Did I make a mistake? But why would she call herself a doll if she’s human? Viktor shook his head as he opened the door. It was later than he would’ve liked, but the girl ran around the corner and stopped in front of him with a wide grin.
“Good morning again! Did you sleep? It didn’t look like you did. I’m pretty sure your eyes were open the entire time. Don’t humans need to sleep?” Viktor slowly blinked and felt his blood go cold. By the Paths… She’s a morning person! He silently pointed inside his cottage, and the girl laughed as she ran inside and began looking around. “Wow! This place is so cute! I thought it was last night, and I was going to say something. Because friends should always compliment their friends. But you didn’t want to believe me, so I kept it to myself!”
She turned to him, showing no signs of breathing hard as he shut the door. Just because I get up early to dig graves doesn’t mean I’m prepared to deal with… whatever she is! I need to get to the bottom of this before the funeral begins! “So… you’re not a vampire?”
The girl shook her head and giggled. “I told you last night, silly. Will you tell me your name now? I’m Nadia!” She held out her hand, grin never leaving her face as she waited for him to take it. “It’s so nice to properly meet you, friend!”
Viktor took her hand between his, but instead of shaking it, he checked her pulse. She’s definitely cool to the touch, and I don’t feel any movement beneath her skin. Nadia studied him, her grin turning into a puzzled frown from his silence. “What are you doing? Is that how people greet their friends here?!”
“No… I’m checking your pulse.” Is it rude to ask to feel her neck? She doesn’t have fangs… unless they grow when she transforms into something… She could be a witch… But I’ve never heard of Water Clerics completely stopping their heartbeat.
Nadia tilted her head. “I don’t have one of those.”
“I noticed… You said you’re a doll? What do you mean by that?” Nadia yanked her hand back and glared at him.
“You said you’d tell me your name, remember? Why do you get to ask questions? I have questions. Let me ask one after you tell me your name!” Viktor raised his hands in surrender and sighed.
“Alright. Alright. I apologize… My name is Viktor. I’m a Death Cleric… Nice to meet you… Nadia?” Nadia grinned and nodded.
“Very nice to meet you as well, Viktor. What’s a Death Cleric? Where am I, and will you help me? I’m guessing you run the graveyard out there, so you must be the one I’m looking for!”
“That’s… more than one…” That’s the second time she said she was looking for someone. Could this be a test of some kind? Viktor frowned, once again cursing his lack to sense mana levels as he thought about her questions. It can’t hurt to play along… for now. You’re in the city of Varm, and yes, I tend to the graveyard outside…”
Technically, all of them, but it’s not like I can be in three places at once. “What do you mean you don’t know what a Death Cleric is? Does your home not employ them?” If she’s from a small village, that makes sense. Most places would want a Life or Fire Cleric to keep them safe.
Nadia shook her head. “I don’t come from a village. My master created me for a very special mission! But I can’t fulfill it alone, so he said he’d send me to someone who can help. And here I am. Which means you must be the very special friend who will help me!”
“Your master…” Is she a slave? She’s not wearing a collar, but… Nadia nodded, hopping up and down like a child and causing the burlap to reveal most of her legs. Viktor blushed, grabbed his portable chest, and threw some clothes at her. “Put those on right now! Before someone sees you!”
Nadia yelps as Viktor’s shirt smacks her in the face, blinding her as his pants catch her off-guard. She pulls the shirt away and picks up the pants in awe. “Is this a present?! For me? Does this mean we’re friends now, Viktor?!”
“Sure. Fine. Whatever you want. Just get dressed before they arrive!” Nadia squealed and hugged him, but Viktor firmly grabbed her shoulders and pushed her into the corner of the room. “Hurry up, Nadia! I must redig the grave while there’s still time!”
And try to figure out what to say when they see a girl wearing my clothes! Nadia set the pants down and pulled the burlap away. Viktor grabbed his robe and pulled it on while he ran out the door. He reached the gates and sighed to see them deserted. At least I don’t have to explain the extra barrier. But what do I tell them about the graveyard’s condition?
Viktor removed the barrier and quickly selected a new spot to dig. It wasn’t as nice as he would’ve liked, being far from any trees and no signs of flowers growing, but the visitors wouldn’t be able to see the damage from last night. And as long as the men who came to help him last night didn’t say anything.
He could try to smooth the dirt out while he tried to figure out what to do with Nadia. It’s a good thing I still have some money from last week’s donations. I can find her a small apartment somewhere… It doesn’t matter if she’s an undead abomination. She looks like a young girl, and I’m not going to be accused of sleeping around on the job.
The thought made him laugh. It wasn’t uncommon for Clerics to marry and have families. But Viktor couldn’t imagine such a thing in his life. No one joined the Path of Death willingly. But most learned to love their calling in time. There were worse ways to live, and at least the dead didn’t play games.
If a ghost didn’t like you, they had numerous ways and plenty of time to let you know.
Nadia was dressed by the time he returned and stepped up to him, burlap in hand, with a small smile. “How do I look, Viktor? These clothes are very comfy, by the way. You’re really big!”
Viktor looked her up and down before sighing. “You look fine… But I don’t have any spare shoes to lend you.”
And there’s no way anyone will believe those are her clothes. I’m at least three times her size… Do I have enough time to visit the market? Viktor looked out the window and immediately dismissed the idea. The funeral was due to begin soon, and some visitors were already entering the graveyard.
There’s nothing else I can do now… unless! Viktor turned around and hoped his smile didn’t look as strained as it felt. “Nadia… You wish to be my friend, right? You want me to help you?”
Nadia grinned and nodded. “Mhm! I’d really like it if you would, Viktor. I can’t complete my master’s orders without you!”
There’s that master talk again. “Well. Friends help each other, right?” He waited for Nadia to nod before continuing. “Then I need to ask a favor first. It’s very important.”
Nadia tilted her head and frowned. “Didn’t I already do you a favor by proving I wasn’t a vampire?”
“You did. But I need you to stay here during the burial, ok? You can help yourself to the food and drink, but please clean up after yourself. I like keeping things tidy.”
Nadia grinned and clapped her hands. “I do, too! We have so much in common! You have to be my friend now, Viktor!”
Viktor felt his smile become natural as he chuckled. Her body may be a woman’s, but her mind is that of a child’s… Maybe I can still turn this around? He gently grabbed her hands and nodded to prevent her from clapping them again. “I’ll be your friend, Nadia. I just need you to stay put while I bury the body and comfort those the deceased has left behind. It should only take an hour or so. Will you do this for me?”
“Mhm. If you really want me to. But how are you going to explain what happened last night? I don’t want you to get in trouble!” Viktor patted her head.
“You do not need to worry about me, Nadia. No one will blame me for this…” More likely, they can’t afford to blame me for this… Whatever it is. There are perks to being the only Death Cleric in the area. Viktor chuckled and picked up his shovel. “We shall talk more about this master of yours when I return. Ok, Nadia?”
“Alright. Do you have any books that can tell me more about this place?” Viktor pulls some from his portable chest and hands them to her.
“These are mostly about plants and how other cultures tend to their dead. But some have illustrations that are pretty accurate… Will they do?” There’s no way she’ll be able to read them all, but if it keeps her out of trouble… Nadia nods and sits on his bed, the first book already open, as she tucks the others close to her side.
“These are perfect! Thank you, Viktor. I’ll be right here when you get back. See you soon!”
“Yes… see you soon.” He shut the door and quickly returned to the graveyard. Most of the visitors were already praying as the coffin was lowered into the grave. Father Gregor nodded and greeted Viktor with a professional smile.
“Good morning, Brother. Did you rest well?” You have no idea… Or does he? The Fire Clerics wouldn’t go against Father Gregor, and he was upset with me when he left… But Viktor couldn’t see how Father Gregor could be connected to Nadia’s arrival. The Clerics didn’t always agree, but keeping the graveyards protected was an unspoken rule.
Viktor smiled back, noting some under clerics standing by with shovels. “Are you trying to steal my job, Father? I still have more than enough energy to do my duties.”
Father Gregor noticed where Viktor was looking and chuckled. “These are the ones from last night. I thought we might give them some more exercise, Viktor. How are your wounds? And don’t think I didn’t notice your lack of a response. You need to take care of yourself, Brother. I won’t hear of you overdoing things!”
That’s not your responsibility! Viktor hid his impatience and looked at the coffin. It was a far cry from the one he’d buried yesterday. The wood was already rotten in several places, and Viktor thought he could see dirt sticking into the grooves of the lid. Did someone dig up a coffin from one of the other graveyards? I’ll have to speak with Father Gregor later.
Viktor sighed and kept his hands wrapped around the handle of his shovel. “I am fine, Father. My wounds don’t trouble me, and I still have the gems you gave me yesterday. There is no need for you to lend me anything else… Have you… Heard from the Fire or Water Clerics lately?”
Father Gregor frowned and shook his head. “No, not really. The only times I have to deal with them is in the Cleric’s Meeting or they need more healers. Why? Did something happen last night?”
Viktor fought the urge to look towards the other side of the hill, where the crater was, and shook his head. “No, I was just curious… Let’s begin!”
Father Gregor studied him for several seconds before finally nodding and turning to the crowd. This was the people’s last chance to say goodbye to their loved one in person. And many came to drop some soil or flowers over the coffin. Before Viktor quietly stepped forward and offered his own prayer.
“You, who has gone ahead. May your soul move on to a better place so that you may watch over the ones you love and who love you. May your bones quietly settle into the earth and become one with it so you won’t be called back to cause mischief to those who wish you no harm.”
One of these days, I shall squeeze in a threat to beat them with my shovel if they try it… The dead don’t always have a good memory, but at least this way, I won’t feel like a bully even though I’m defending myself and everyone else. Father Gregor lightly patted Viktor’s shoulder, and he nodded.
It was time to do what he was born to do. Viktor stuck his shovel into the pile of dirt he’d hastily made and began burying the coffin. No one moved until it was loosely covered. They rarely did. And few stayed to watch Viktor finish burying the coffin and patting the dirt down to make it as smooth as possible.
An old woman, the deceased’s mother perhaps, knelt in front of the grave, a cane held tightly in trembling hands. Viktor smiled softly and gave the grave a final pat. “May I assist you in some way, grandmother? I can be back with some tea if you like?”
The old woman shook her head, eyes red from crying as she weakly answered. “No, thank you, Brother Viktor. I only want to yell at this fool in peace, and I didn’t want to disturb anyone else’s prayers during the funeral.”
Viktor nodded and rose. I’ll need to keep an eye on her. I didn’t sense anything off during the burial, but there’s still time for someone to cause mischief. “I shall wait until I can’t hear your screams then, grandmother. But once that happens, I insist you let me take you to the Spire at least. It’s much more comfortable than the ground.”
The old woman snorted, and Viktor began to walk away. It wasn’t his place to tell others how to grieve, but it was his duty to remind them to keep living. The old woman may not have much time left, but she still had time. And that was more than enough reason to make sure she didn’t come to harm.
Father Gregor signaled his underlings, and Viktor headed for the Spire. He didn’t want to risk them finding out about Nadia just yet, and the Spire had a tea set in it. Father Gregor said nothing as they were led into its single, circular room. The outside of the Spire looked little more than a wooden stick in appearance, but the inside was kept warm and cozy throughout the year.
Father Gregor sat down and gestured to the two underlings. “Sit down, my sons. Our Brother has enough on his mind without worrying about you two.”
Viktor raised an eyebrow but kept silent as he opened a window. One of the underlings, a skinny boy in his teens, protested. “How are we supposed to keep warm if you let the heat out?”
Viktor shrugged but stayed in front of the window. “You have your robes and the comfort of these walls. If an old woman can put up with the cold, then you can too.”
The other under cleric scowled and rose, but a single look from Father Gregor made him sit down. Sadly, he didn’t remain silent, and Viktor feared this was the old man’s revenge for being dismissed last night. “Forgive me, Brother…”
“Considering I’m the only Death Cleric. My name shouldn’t escape you, Child, especially since Father Gregor just said it.” Viktor tensed as the older man chuckled.
“He has a point, Vlad. I did just say his name. And his position in our fair city means you should have it memorized. I expected better of you.” Father Gregor reached into a bag and held out a clean black robe. Viktor couldn’t tell if it was the same one, but it looked like it would fit him, and he wasn’t going to insult the man after he had done him a favor.
“My apologies, Brother Viktor. I shall have them do thirty memory exercises once we return to our temple. I promise this won’t happen again.” Viktor took the robe with a nod, content to let the matter drop. It wasn’t his place to demand the under clerics to be punished.
And he had more important things to worry about, like why he still couldn’t hear any screaming from the graveyard. Don’t tell me, she… The skinny one piped out. “Why am I being punished, Father? All I did was ask a question, and the Death Cleric”-
Father Gregor cut him off with a firm wave. “His name is Brother Viktor. And you will both treat him with the respect he deserves. Alek, you were standing right there when Viktor asked if Madam Olga needed help. You heard their conversation, did you not? How can Brother Viktor keep his word to her if he can’t hear her?”
“But she hasn’t screamed once! And we’ve been in here for a few minutes now!” Viktor turned, robe tucked under his arm as he headed for the door. Father Gregor rose, hand raised and voice soft to call him back.
“Brother Viktor?”
“I’m going to check on her. It may be someone came to fetch her, and I don’t want to see her harmed.” So, her name is Olga. She seemed to be the sort that’s too stubborn to die, but her silence worries me. The last thing he heard before closing the door was a muttered, “who’d come for that old witch?”
Viktor returned to the graveyard in several strides, mind struggling to hope for the future while dreading what he’d find. It’s her right to have a say in when she leaves this world, but I still have to try to stop her! Viktor didn’t mind being around the dead. That had never bothered him, but he couldn’t stand by and let someone throw their life away.
He reached the grave and froze. She’s not here? Did a relative come for her? “Hello? Madam Olga? Are you here?”
Silence greeted him, but Viktor couldn’t get his heart to calm down. The ground was covered in footprints, and he was no tracker. But he did have other ways. Viktor leaned down and buried his fingers in the dirt, feeling the echoes of the charges buried both long before he came and many he had buried.
Please forgive me. But I need to find Madame Olga. She was here a few minutes ago. Please, tell me. Where is she? A familiar soft glow wrapped around his hand, making Viktor smile as the spirit orb answered.
Madame Olga. Safe. You. Safe. Safe now.
“Do you know where she is? Did someone else come here?” The spirit orb hovered around his head before moving towards the cottage.
Safe. Madam Olga. Safe. New Friend heard her crying. New Friend embraced her. New Friend took Madam Olga inside to be safe. You should go inside. Safer. Not cold. Don’t want you to get sick. Love you!
Viktor frowned before realization struck. “New Friend… as in Nadia? Nadia was here?!” She promised to stay inside during the burial. Did she see me leave the graveyard and come looking for me but run into Madame Olga instead? It was nice to know Nadia had enough compassion to care about an old woman she didn’t know, but Viktor had to ask. “You called her a new friend. Does that mean… she can see you? Did you… talk to her?”
The spirit orb bobbed and weaved in the air. New Friend sees us! New Friend talks to us! New Friend asked if you’d mind if she helped Madame Olga, and we told her no. New Friend is kind. You are kind. Love you both!
Viktor blinked, a soft smile forming at the spirit orb’s innocent declaration. So, that’s it. She’s like me… Or is she? Viktor was willing to listen to what Nadia had to say. But there were too many things about her he didn’t understand. And as he followed the spirit orb to his cottage. Viktor couldn’t decide if his fear would overwhelm him or if he should let the tiny seeds of hope bloom.