Maledictus Terra Book 2: Sanguifex Part 26

Greetings all

This is the continuation of @zakludick 's post, so be sure to read that before you start on this. Our grand adventure is finally on its way, and an old enemy has awoken.

Derric was practically giddy as he walked beside Magna. He was considering what form he would take when Adiran simply said, “Stealth boy. Nothing flashy.”

Grumbling under his breath. Derric leapt forward to change his form to that of a white wolf with purple claws. A souvenir of the beast that had nearly ripped him and Magna apart. Adiran was well aware of these claws but said nothing as he still wasn’t sure what had caused it.

“Which way?” asked Mortis as he pulled up to Adiran’s side.

“There for now. I will let the group know when we need to change direction.” Adiran pointed in what seemed to be a random direction.

“Very well.” Mortis pulled to the front pack as they all set out.

Adiran remained close to the twins as he was trying to link their life force to the bracelets that were within his hands. He didn’t need to hold onto the reins of his horse to direct it. None of his creations ever needed to be guided. Once the bracelets were complete, he would have to convince the two Lifedrinkers to wear their corresponding twins. He was unsure how the second Lifedrinker would wear the bracelet, seeing as it was nothing more than a shadow, but Mortis had informed him that it had had a corporeal form when they had met.
This could still work.

Adrian was far too happy for his sister’s liking. She understood that this was a grand adventure for him, but she still had aching scars from the last adventure. However, she didn’t have the heart to burst his happy little bubble, and instead, she looked ahead of her, while occasionally touching the hilt of her sword to make sure it was still within reach.

Adrian looked around at the land disappearing around them. He had never left the castle before, and he loved the freedom he had been granted. Though, that said, he couldn’t help but notice that everyone had their heads on a swivel.

There is always danger.

The voice in his head sounded like Trix and he looked down to see his mount’s shadow was larger than before.

You are a spoiled castle prince. You don’t know of danger.

Adrian felt insulted, but he knew Trix was right. The only time he had known danger, he had nearly died, which in turn sent his sister on a ridiculous mission.

But, if your blood is as strong as Sebastian’s, then you will learn.

“I’ll take that as a compliment then.” He grinned.

Good, because it was meant as one to toughen you up. Can’t have your sister fight all your battles.

“That was uncalled for.”

He heard the voice chuckle, and the shadow darted to Magna’s horse. Neither the horse nor the princess stirred, but he did notice his sister’s eyes tracking the movement. She really had become a hardened warrior. Everything his father had hoped he would become. He sighed as that thought came into his head. He couldn’t keep thinking that way. He had to forge his own way, and this mission gave him everything he would need.

Shadows moved in the dimly lit castle, and a figure sat upon an old throne staring into what appeared to be a sheet that showed the movement of those from the castle. A grin grew on its face. All the players were in place. He could make his move now or wait for them to come to him. His grin grew as he noticed the mage forcing magical energies into the bracelets that sat upon his lap as he rode. They would work for a time, but not for long.

“Ah Adiran, I’m surprised it took you so long to realise your little friend was missing. Should I force your company to come to me or send you a little reminder of what my Master can do?”

In the dark, two figures moved, waiting for the orders they had been craving since they had torn Temolach to pieces. The ever-changing creature and the blindfolded warrior were growing impatient, but they would soon get their opportunity to shine.

“One of you go and greet our soon-to-be guests. Decide which of you is more expendable.”

Once camp was made and chores assigned, Adiran approached Sebastian where the man was talking to his companion. Trix seemed to find comfort in blending into the shadows and didn’t want to make an appearance, but Adiran needed them to.

“Did Mary discuss these with you?” he asked as he held up the four bracelets.

Sebastian cringed away from the silver and magic while Trix disappeared completely. Adiran felt frustration bubbling in his chest and sat down heavily next to the king.

“They will not burn you while you aren’t in the throws of hunger.”

“You cannot have me ask Trix to wear one of those. The shadow ability will cease to function.”

“Not if she were to have permission to use it.”

“So, these aren’t standard manacles?”

“Not at all.” Adiran waved Magna and Adrian over.

He offered the twins a bracelet each, and both added them to their wrists without hesitation.

“I added some extra magic into these. I realised there was a chance that wearing silver could damper some abilities. In the case of Trix, as long as their partner agrees with what they are doing, they can use their abilities.”

“I’m their partner.” Sebastian hit his chest.

“Not in this case.” He offered one bracelet to the king.

With distrust, the king took up the bracelet and added it to his wrist. Magna stepped forward and offered her hand. Sebastian looked at her silver bracelet with distrust but trusted his niece would do him no harm. As soon as their hands touched, a thin chain appeared between the bracelets and then disappeared.

“Magna will be your keeper. Her power will keep you from losing your mind. While she can’t stop you from changing, if you do undergo any transformation, she can direct you.”

“I have become a hunting dog to a child!” demanded the king.

“If that makes you feel better.” Shrugged Adiran.

“We have to protect ourselves.” Said Magna. “As you have already tried to attack me once, I thought it be best I bond with you. It also helps that Adrian has no fear of Trix.”

“Good luck agreeing for Trix to wear that.” Said Sebastian with a grumble. “I am doing this because I promised my sister I would do my best to not attack my family. Trix made no such promise.”

“That’s okay. The bond words on mutual trust. You trust Magna to have your back when needed. I will just have to earn Trix’s trust.” Said Adrian.

Sebastian snorted and looked at the bracelet around his wrist. He was surprised that it didn’t cause any tingling or pain.

“You want our help; you need to trust us.” Said Adiran as he got up. “I will not force Trix to wear a bracelet but know that means you have to control her if she were to lose control.”

“I’ll speak to her.” He said as he grabbed Adiran to sit next to him. “Off with the rest of you. Trix doesn’t like many people.”

Here is an explanation of Chain Stories and here is the current Chainstory Library

Mortis Custos

Start

Sanguifex

by @zakludick	by @lex-zaiya
Part 1	Part 2
Part 3	Part 4
Part 5	Part 6
Part 7	Part 8
Part 9	Part 10
Part 11	Part 12
Part 13	Part 14
Part 15	Part 16
Part 17	Part 18
Part 19	Part 20
Part 21	Part 22
Part 23	Part 24
Part 25	Part 26– You are Here
Part 27 – Coming Soon	Part 28– Coming Soon

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