Vur and Tafel climbed outside of their carriage as the undead horse sat on the sandy ground beside them. They stopped in front of a city with stone walls and tal gates. A naga guard eyed them while gripping his poleaxe tighter. The sun reflected off the axe, revealing a layer of runes on the blade.
We dont take kindly to strangers here, the naga said in snaketongue as he advanced towards the duo. A torch lit up behind him, causing a clamor to erupt on the city walls. Multiple nagas appeared with their bows in hand and their arrows nocked.
Tell your chieftain that the devourer is here to take him up on his offer, Vur said back in snaketongue and crossed his arms over his bare chest. The naga frowned before signaling towards the city wall with his free hand. A naga nodded in return and slithered off into the innermost parts of the city.
You can understand them? Tafel asked Vur as she shielded her eyes from the sun and looked at the nagas on top of the city walls.
Vur nodded. Auntie took here when I was younger. She sold to the coliseum and had fight to make her money, he said and scratched his head. Its been a while since Ive spoken snaketongue though.
She sold you? Tafel asked and raised an eyebrow. Why am I not too surprised? Now I know why shed send us here as part of our honeymoon.
The tal gate behind the naga guard screeched as it opened and the chieftain ca out. He wore a silk vest and had dozens of golden necklaces adorning his chest. A Cerberus followed behind him with its heads held high. Its legs were as tall as the naga next to it and its heads were wider than a human body. One of the heads glanced at Vur out of the corner of its eye and let out an involuntary yelp. The Cerberus dashed ahead of the chieftain and lay prone in front of Vur while letting out tiny whimpers.
Tafels eyes widened as she reached forward and pet the beasts middle head. The chieftain let out a sigh as it walked around the beast and faced Vur. Greetings, devourer, he said and lowered his head. I didnt expect to see you so soon after your ceremony with your mate.
Were exploring the continent and just happened to pass by, Vur said. Then I rembered your offer of hospitality and decided to take you up on it.
Of course, the naga said and smiled bitterly. Co. Ill show you around our city.
Its so cute, Tafel said as the Cerberus licked her hand. Ive never seen anything like this before. It makes wonder what lies even further south.
Well find out soon enough, Vur said as he shot a glance at the Cerberus, but for now, lets enjoy ourselves here. The antlions taste really good.
Oh joy, Tafel said and wiped the slobber onto the Cerberus face, more bugs.
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Michelle frowned as she wandered around Gales room. A human-shaped stain that slled like vomit and alcohol lay in the middle of the carpet. Where could Gale have gone? Michelle muttered to herself as she rummaged through his closet, looking for any hints. Dont tell he actually dissolved into a puddle of vomit.
A knocking sound echoed through the room, causing Michelle to jump and knock over a pile of clothes. Michelle? Are you in there? Pauls voice asked from the other side of the door. The corrupted one has a ssage for all the bishops.
Im here, Michelle said as she dusted herself off and opened the door. ssage?
Paul nodded. The bishops are gathering in the central room of the temple right now, he said. Lets go. The two walked down the hall and headed towards the gathering spot.
Greetings, ye holy peeps, a skeleton wearing a top hat said as the duo arrived. Welco, welco. Make yourselves at ho. The group of twenty bishops frowned as they glanced at each other across the tables. Paul raised an eyebrow, but remained silent as he and Michelle took their seats.
I have a proposal for all of ye from our lord and savior, the corrupted one, the skeleton said as it bowed and swept its hat off its head while bringing it to its chest. It raised its head and made eye contact with all the bishops. Join us and beco bishops of our religion.
The bishops fell silent. What? one of them asked as he stood up. Are you joking with us right now?
No. Im being absolutely serious, the skeleton said as its eyes glowed purple. Lindyss voice rang out of the skeletons mouth. Your god and pope ran away from their responsibilities; Ill be taking over. Its up to you whether you want to join or not. The skeleton smirked.
Paul threw his hands up into the air. Ill join, he said and scrambled to his feet. He walked over to the skeleton who nodded at him.
Paul! Michelle said and furrowed her brow.
Paul shrugged. Vur ate a god, he said. I wouldnt be surprised if it actually did run away after that and Gales already been missing for a week.
Smart man, the skeleton said as its eyes stopped glowing and it readjusted its top hat.
Dont you worship our god? Michelle asked. Why did you even beco a bishop if youre so easily swayed?
Paul scratched his head as the other bishops turned to stare at him. Well, Vur kinda just made one, he said and glanced at his feet as he took in a deep breath. And, quite frankly, I like you and I wanted to get closer to you.
The skeleton laughed and placed its arm around Pauls shoulder as Michelles face turned pink. The other bishops faces turned weird as they muttered amongst themselves. Just one of you? the skeleton asked when it finally stopped laughing. Well, thats one more than what I expected.
Wont you co too, Michelle? Paul asked, his face slightly flushed.
I refuse, Michelle said and crossed her arms.
Paul frowned. Didnt you tell how much you hated being raised as the popes daughter? he asked. Theres a chance to leave now, but you wont take it?
Michelle shook her head.
The skeleton let out a sigh as it pat Pauls back. She probably feels obligated to take up her fathers duties, it said. Dont worry. I got this. The skeleton walked towards Michelle and placed its mouth next to her ear. It whispered sothing into her ear.
It pulled its head back and winked at her. We know more about you than you think, it said. Want to join us now?
Michelle bit her lip and furrowed her brow. She let out a sigh. Alright, she said and hung her head. Count in. Her ears burned as the other bishops stared daggers at her.
Excellent. Any more volunteers? the skeleton asked with a grin.
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A young child sat next to his bedside with his hands clasped together. His eyes were closed and his head was tilted towards the ceiling. God, if youre out there, please give a sign. Sothing. Anything.
A few seconds later, a skeletal hand popped out of the ground next to the boy, grasping a wooden sign that read, Here you go. On the bottom of the signin fine printa ssage read, From your newest local god, the corrupted one.
The boy opened his eyes and fell backwards.
That night, everyones prayers were answered by skeletons to the best of their ability.
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Authors note: Hello. Vote for please: /vote.php?for=the-blue-mage-raised-by-dragons . Thanks!
Also, the storys probably going to end soon. Thanks for reading!
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