The temple of Maris stood proudly in the centre of Urr. The oldest temple to the elder god in all Urr. Worshippers circled the form of the great Maris. The only crown in all of Urr found placed upon his head glittering in the light. It is within the deepest chamber of this grand temple, four priests surrounded the corpse of an animal. Each wearing animal hoods. A deer, a wolf, a bear, and a donkey.
The hog lay still on the stone altar. The hooded men surrounded the corpse, chants echoed throughout the room as the high priest drew his blade from its sheathe. His face obscured by the mask of a deer. The low hiss of the blade leaving its home joined the choir of chants. Steam rose from the animal as his dagger plunged into its stomach, cutting it open.
The chants ceased as the men opened the belly of the beast, presenting golden bowls in which the dear headed man placed the organs of the creature. Soon filled with the lungs, heart, liver and intestines of the hairy animal.
“Take the body, prepare for its butchery. Make sure the common-folk know who to thank.”
Two figures emerged from the corner of the room; their bodies covered entirely in grey robes. Working in tandem, they hauled the corpse of the animal from the chamber to be cooked and given to the members of the cult.
The men placed the organs on the altar as they inspected them. Lifting the liver, the Deer saw the cuts made during its removal. An ill omen. But it was not the only one.
The liver was shrunken and shrivelled, far too small for a creature of such an impressive size. Cutting into the lungs left a black residue on the blade. The inside was rotten, coated with a pitchlike substance.
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Black veins crawled across the heart like spider, the smell of rot permeated the chamber.
“The omens are ill brothers; the gods have forsaken us. Rot spreading from the centre of our great empire.” Said the dear to the gathered men. His hands stained crimson.
“Our society is sick. Aliens spread through our cities, spreading their barbaric cultures. Our leaders are weak, and our men lay dead in the lands of Acta. If we do not act, then our empire will turn to dust between our fingers.”
The Horse replied, his mouth muffled by his hide-mask, “We must be thankful for that, Deer. The Avenntian brat’s failure in Acta has weakened his house. It leaves them vulnerable, open to attack.”
“What happened in Acta was a tragedy, but you are right. But our power is not enough. We will find no allies within the courts or council. Although weakened, Aventius is still dangerous.”
“We do not need the council. Our power comes from below, the people will flock to our cause. We must not waste our resources on those too deaf to listen.” The deep voice of the bear commanded authority.
“Bear is right, but we must strike now before our advantage is lost. Aventius’ son has left the city to hide in his country villa. An assassin could cut his throat and vanish into the night, no trace of our involvement. House Avenntian left with no heir will lose all support. The houses will fracture, leaving the way open for us.” The Deer said, fondling the ritual dagger in his hands.
“No trace? What you suggest risks exposing us all. How can you ensure your cutthroat remains undiscovered? Aurelian will have his guards with him day and night. No, we have not survived with such recklessness. We must be patient.” The Wolf said.
“The daughters of Maris do not fail. Even if it is captured, it has no means of communication. They only know obedience.” Said the horse.
The wolf laughed at this statement. “You would trust a slave to carry out our plan? It will flee at the first opportunity, costing us time.”
“The daughters are loyal, their loyalty to our god is burned into their very beings. Enough discussion, a show of hands will be enough to settle this dispute.”
Three hands rose, the Horse, the Deer, and the bear. The plan was set, and so fell the first domino in the destruction of Urr.