After a bit of a break, we're back and ready to do some more writing.
Don't forget to read @zakludick's update before getting stuck into mine!
Robert sat in a grand hall. All around him were people he didn’t know, things he had once killed for being against his order, and a manner of beasts he had only read about in children’s stories, but not once did he feel threatened. It had been so long since he had known peace that the feeling was frankly alien to him.
On his shoulder, the fox sat perched, looking all around him.
“Didn’t think you would accept becoming a Kai disciple. Thought you’d just be happy to exist on the Isles.”
Robert had learned recently that only he could understand the strange creature, as everyone else would hear excited fox yipping when it spoke. It was explained to him that this was because this creature was his artefact. Bound him completely and deeply rooted within his tortured soul.
It was strange for a living creature to choose to be an artefact, but here it was, happily chittering away in Robert’s ear.
“I am not a disciple. I am only staying here…”
“Oh, they all say that, and then they find those they belong with.”
“There is no Kai face that looks over swordsmen.” Reminded Robert.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t start one!” the fox jumped onto his head.
“I am content to sit and watch, thank you.”
“The beast will not find you here unless you want it to.” Reminded the fox as it sat down.
Robert returned to his meal before him. The cooks had asked so many questions about his preferences and religious beliefs; he was surprised that there had been any food on his plate to begin with. Despite that, the food was exactly what he needed.
He had offered his companion some of his food, but it had stuck a snout in the air. It would get its sustenance somewhere else.
“I wonder if Kai can help the screaming sword.” Mused Robert.
“That is a different kettle of fish.” Said the fox as it leapt onto the table. Other creatures around Robert glared at him for having an animal walk all over the table where their food was. Robert found that amusing, as some of them had paws that looked like they hadn’t been washed in weeks.
“Have you considered that the sword wished to be used?”
Robert had considered it. While he was sure who the sword had once been, he had heard rumours that it may have been the transformed form of the castle’s previous high priest. If that was indeed the case, then the priest had likely done as Robert had, dedicated himself to a god they believed benevolent. They had both been wrong and had both been punished for it.
“Let’s say that even if it's true, is forgiveness not something that should be granted?”
“You are naive if you think the world is that black and white, Robert.” Said the creature as it started rooting around in his breakfast. “Being damned and being forgiven are just the two furthest points in this religious debate that mortals created to make sense of the world around them.”
“You make no sense.”
“Pretty much like religion, huh?”
“But we have literally met gods.”
“Gods don’t create religions, mortals do. The gods are just happy for the attention and return the favour by granting boons and curses.”
“And what do I have?”
“That is for you to decide.” The fox finally selected what it wanted to eat and took it from Robert’s plate.
It continued with a mouthful of food.
“I really think you should consider starting an order here. There are many people who have similar lives to yours. Carrying things they don’t want to. Learn to control it. Learn to be okay with what gift or curse has been presented to you. I will even lobby for you to create a new sect.”
“What’s this about a new sect?” asked Gorox as he sat down next to Robert.
“You can understand him?” asked Robert, pointing to the fox.
“It’s more of a feeling than words. But anyway, back to a new sect. New sects are started every year; some survive, others are absorbed into the original four sects. There is rarely a new one.”
The fox glared at the giant man, who only laughed and tried to pet the creature, which immediately side-stepped him.
“But then again, we’ve never had anyone interested in bringing swordplay to the Isles. Perhaps this is what Kai wants you to think about.” Gorox slapped the back of Robert’s back. “You will always have a home here, and if you manage to create a sect, wouldn’t it be like being a leader again. You want your old life, don’t you?”
Robert debated it. There wasn’t much to do on the Isles as he currently had no purpose. Perhaps creating a new sect to Kai wouldn’t be the worst thing he could do.
“If the little one lobbies for a new sect, I think Kai would listen.” Said Gorox softly. “It will also give you the time to rebuild yourself.”
“I will need followers if I am to start a whole new sect to the Kai name.”
“Rex would likely join. His training with Millmor goes well.”
“Don’t you think he is more of a marauder, like you?”
“That isn’t for me to decide. Go speak to Kai once more. Creating a sect comes with perks, or so I am told.” Gorox helped himself to the food on Robert’s plate without asking.
Why not, thought Robert. It’s not like I have anything else I can do until I am free from this curse.
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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