Maledictus Terra Book 3: Vetitum Nemus Part 95
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The main question that was asked of Robert was how he had managed to survive. The man had no idea what to say to his companions. He simply didn’t know. He explained how, when he had made his decision to let the beast fight the Kraken, he had resigned himself to whatever fate would throw at him. He had woken up on a beach with his new fox friend and a forest.
Noxus listened carefully while eyeing the fox creature that seemed no bigger than a small house cat pacing across Robert's shoulders as if a soldier. It would have been comical if it weren’t for the fact that the creature also seemed to be mimicking what Robert was saying with dramatic paw waving and its jaws moving.
“What even is that?” asked Gorox, pointing a grubby finger at the creature.
“I’m not entirely sure.” admitted Robert.
The fox creature hopped onto Robert’s head and looked down at those gathered in the hall of the temple. It seemed to be grinning as it looked around. It then noticed Rex some distance away, and the grin grew even wider.
It leapt from Robert’s head and latched onto Rex’s arm. Before Rex could even hope to think about swatting the creature, it had leapt away and sprinted back to Robert’s shoulder.
“What the hell!” demanded Rex.
Noxus noticed what the others didn’t. The creature had the silver bangle that Rex had worn to subdue Robert’s beast in its mouth. In no less than three bites, the creature bit through and devoured the bracelet. Everyone looked at it in horror.
Have no fear.
The voice seemed to echo all around them.
Gorox and Noxus immediately dropped to a knee, while the remaining party members looked to find the source of the voice.
As my little friend has discovered, you are by no means a true danger to us. While your bestial form may seem out of control, it isn’t innately evil. More like a rabid, wounded beast with no direction, seeking as much chaos as possible.
There was a flash of light from the fox-like creature, and it proudly sat upon Robert’s head with a silver collar around its throat.
The mage’s idea to have Rex help contain the chaos was a smart one, but futile in the end. This is a god’s chaos and fury. No mortal can contain it, even one with a Ghoul King’s curse.
Millmor looked uncomfortable that his disguise was seen through so well.
Oh, I don’t care what you are. You’d be surprised what creatures are within my services. Have you not noticed the different coloured homes and streets? It’s not forced segregation, but those who wish to live a certain way. Racism and segregation are punishable in my lands. We are all Children of Kai here.
Robert tried to locate the voice, but it seemed as if it were the temple that was talking.
I am not physically within this world, as my disciples know. I speak when it is necessary, come to others in dreams, or give artifacts to call wayward disciples back.
This time it was Noxus that blushed, but Gorox grinned and nudged her.
There will be more time to speak, but as of right now, the chaos creature within you, Sir Robert, will be contained by your own artifact. It is odd for these creatures to volunteer their time and patience with races considered mortal. Surely you were a virtuous soul and still are.
Robert wished that to be true, and the creature pounced upon his head, as if to shake that thought from him.
The voice seemed to chuckle before continuing.
The creature knows deception and finds none within you. I will help you tame the beast within, for it is not within my power to separate it from you at this time. I am too busy maintaining the walls, which keep worse things at bay. As for you, dear Noxus, you and I need to have a chat about you completing your initiate journey.
With that, Gorox rose from his kneeling position and directed the rest of his party away from the temple.
“We will all have our meetings soon. For now, Noxus needs to be welcomed back into the fold, and Kai will give her the duties of her Hiral station. Come, you can all stay at my home. It should be large enough.”
Before anyone could comment, Gorox had managed to guide them all from the temple as Noxus slowly got to her feet.
“Hiral Kai, I don’t…”
You were where I needed you to be. Had you not been at the castle, I would not have known that a sister and brother had been returned to us. Bellum has risen once more, and Vitex is freed from her curse.
“But I played no part…”
Sweet child. You are a Bright Mage, which has nothing to do with your magic abilities, though they help. Many Bright Mages are found within courts throughout the known world. They are my ears, my eyes, and so much more. I am pleased that my brother and sister have a safe haven within Drakenspoort. I am also disturbed by the growth of this Death Cult and the steady breakdown of old religions, which were meant to protect people. The weakened beliefs make it difficult to maintain what I must. The more gods of my pantheon that are found and find avatars and believers will make us stronger. You have completed your initiation. What would you ask of me?
Noxus didn’t even hesitate.
“I wish to remain at Drakenspoort and to hold counsel.”
There seemed to be a snort, and the voice continued.
I cannot grant what you already have. There must be something else.
And back to you Zak.
Here is an explanation of Chain Stories and here is the current Chainstory Library
Mortis Custos
Sanguifex
Vetitum Nemus
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