Maledictus Terra Book 2: Sanguifex Part 77
Introduction
Welcome back to Maledicturs Terra. This is a Chain Story between myself and @lex-zaiya, meaning that we each write the parts alternatively.
If you have not read Maledictus Terra Book 1: Mortis Custos yet, it starts HERE at Part 1 and ends at Part 101 HERE. At the end of the Part 101 post you will find links to all 101 Parts!
The previous part by @lex-zaiya can be found HERE.
Part 77
The party set out to re-fortify the alleyway. Brining Anna into the structure, they found that Lucien and Adiran had gone up to the upper levels of the structure.
The twins helped Anna to a place within the large church hall and to set their things down around where she lay while Mortis, Sebastian and Leopold refortified the alleyway. Trix and Derric made a quick scouting survey around the area to see if there were any immediate dangers.
The two scouts went in separate directions and arrived back at the same time. “There definitely is something in the ruins watching us, but none that I could see and nothing nearby.” Trix said.
Derric’s shape blurred as he changed into his human form. He was muscular and tall, easily more powerful than Leopold. He nodded. “I could smell them but I could not see them.”
“Put a shirt on boy.” Sebastian growled as he pushed a large section of wall back into the alley way to create an obstacle to block the door.
“Oh sorry. I tend to forget.” Derric said. His skin blurred and he materialized a shirt to fit his body.
“Right… but at least you remember to wear pants right?” Trix said, her eyebrow cocked. “Where did the shirt just come from?”
Derric scratched his head. “Millmor always told me that it was strange and would make trouble for me. We never could figure out where it goes, but the clothes that I wear can either be on me or off me when I use my ability to change. I can’t keep two pieces of clothing that are interchangeable.”
“What does that mean?” Sebastian asked. “And would you stop blathering and give us a hand here?”
Derric shrugged. “Sure. But you seem nearly done. Uh… I can’t put on a shirt and make it go away and then put on another shirt and make that go away as well. If I change shape in that form the second set of clothing just breaks or stays on me.”
“You can all go inside now. You have gathered enough of the rubble.” Mortis said quietly. Even though he spoke softly the deep and steady tone, it took command of everyone and they complied, even Sebastian. “I shall seal it with my magic from the inside.”
Oho! You’ll use your magic hey. Bellum gushed. At least you are not so hesitant anymore.
Mortis waited for everyone to pass into the building. “It is necessary.” Mortis closed the door behind him and placed both gauntleted hands against the door. He felt the layout of the rubble through the door and focussed on pulling them towards the door slowly.
There was a grinding and rumbling noise as the magic he was focussing was drawn across the stone cobbles and blocked the door again. Mortis walked slowly towards the front of the hall where the priests would normally stand to preach to the masses.
This is the open space that the party claimed for their own and had started to establish a camp there as though they were on the road. Magna looked up from where she was unrolling one of the bedrolls. “You used magic? But you should have nothing left anymore. Do you not need more…?”
Mortis shook his head. “I shall be fine for now.”
No need to take blood. Isn’t that nice?
Mortis ignored it. He was keenly aware of Leopold and Anna’s attention as they watched him arrive. He could feel their devotion and excitement. Was he always capable of feeling this? He was sure that Bellum had something to do with it. It was probable that the partial God was able to feel this too.
As Mortis arrived to the front of the church the braziers at either side of the podium burst into flame. If Mortis had eyes he would have rolled them. Oh, don’t be so miserable about it!
Most of the party looked around them in wonder, Sebastian half drew his sword and growled. Meanwhile the two Blaze Knight’s eyes were bright with adoration. “The Lord of Light and Flame!” Leopold exclaimed.
“His presence has deconsecrated this church!” Anna nearly shouted.
Mortis said nothing and went to go sit on the front bench of the church. Go stand at the podium! Mortis ignored the voice.
“Does not make much sense.” Sebastian grumbled.
“Why not?” Magna asked him.
“This church was never dedicated to the Lord of Light and Flame. That same sect that the Blaze Knights and your ousted priesthood all claim to be from.”
This caught Anna’s attention and her head snapped around. “What do you mean? What then was the religion of Clarprati?”
Sebastian was sitting on the floor on his bedroll. “I am surprised that my sister never told the twins. But for you I can understand. Your kind is not well known for wanting to understand others.”
Anna was silent for a while. There had been a time that she might have launched into a religious debate or even drawn her sword in fervour, but she was now more muted after seeing so much horror and pain. “Indeed. I guess my mindset was a narrow one.”
“I too apologise.” Leopold said. “We meant no disrespect. From what happened at Dragonshold we too have learned that even people of the same religion may not be praying to the same God.”
Sebastian sighed. “The beliefs of Clarprati have been shattered for hundreds of years. We had some sort of belief and the scholars speak of it and they have their theories. All the books were destroyed.” He gestured with one large hand at the structure and the hall. “But this place was tended by a gentle sort of priesthood. They did not preach any particular faith, but they helped those that were in need. I often sent the surplus of the castle to help them feed the poor.”
“Men of good conscience.” Anna said softly. It may be that the divinity and peace of this place left a mark on their souls and bid them to acts of kindness and benevolence.
Mortis remained quiet but the voice in his head was no longer so proud and bombastic. Instead it was sobbing. This was a place of worship to my sister! Mortis found the anguish stirring as he often would contemplate the pain of his own sister. Again, he did not have eyes and for that he was thankful.
A wail sounded outside in the city, a forlorn sound that chilled the mortals to their bones. The wail turned into a scream that was directed, with fury to the heavens. The howl and transitioning scream was joined by others, making the same sound.
Night was falling again and the Hungers announced clearly that the night was their domain.
Over to @lex-zaiya for the next part!
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Mortis Custos
Sanguifex
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