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!
Maledictus Terra Book 2: Sanguifex started HERE with Part 1 and ends at Part 111 HERE
The previous part by @lex-zaiya can be found here!
Part 58
He stood while others bowed and knelt and for a moment the Prophet glowered at this Disciple who stood straight backed before him, looking straight at the Holy One.
"Do not think me irreverent Master. Our God has blessed me so. To be fearless and to be proud. I am however, your tool, to use as you see fit."
The man was tall and dark haired. More than even Darius, his form was that of male handsomeness. This one would be able to stand before a crowd and charm and inspire. This one possesses an aura of confidence.
"I was like the others. But the Cold One came to me directly to shape me. I suppose that I alone out of the Disciples bear that blessing. I do not think that I am special that way. Instead I see that this is a boon to yourself. I am... nothing... a vessel... a tool... my image and my abilities are there to support you."
This Disciple spoke a lot... more than any of the others. They were alone save for a horde of mindless shambling dead that clung to the walls of the Temple. A writhing sea of limbs and faces pressed up against the walls. They lined the entire temple and in this place, they were lashed and pressed against the entire wall and ceiling. They were interwoven and as much a part of the Prophet's throne as his throneroom.
This time, he would gather power and he would gather nations. This time it would not be a matter of striking down one individual. There shall be loss suffered by those the Prize hold dear.
There was also the matter of the destruction of the Enemy's Mark. This was also possible only if he would change the way he approached this clash.
"So what is your purpose?" The Prophet's voice creaked and groaned, like a death rattle.
The beautiful man bowed low before the Prophet. "I exist to offer council. It is necessary to look at actions and reactions from more than one perspective. You are the Prophet, blessed to lead and be the heart and head of the Cult. I am here to serve as a sensory organ. The hair at the nape of your neck, a whisker on your maw. I am here to detect things you might not my Lord. The purpose is to defend you from blindspots."
"And, what is your Council now?"
"Dragonshold and the twins have always been the primary targets. You have amassed power in other nations and around this Temple in order to grow the forces to defeat them. What is lacking now is the inverse of this acton."
"Which is?"
"The Twins and their Queen mother gather around them strong allies. Each of these becomes a focal point of strength for the enemy. They need to be removed so our access to the Twins becomes easier."
"Killing their allies?"
"Yes Lord Prophet and where killing is not possible, to turn them against each other. Fracture loyalties."
There was silence for a long time. The Prophet closed his eyes for a while and breathed his wheezy way, cavernous and fleshy lungs oxygenating his body that was like a wet wound.
"It is true that you have been created different from myself and the other Disciples. This line of thought suits the Enemy more than our Lord. Loyalty and permanence is all that I know. You truly are a blessing."
The man bowed again.
"Go. If you can find a way to fracture the loyalties between these companions of the Mark. We shall have our prize. You know our plans. I do not need to know yours. You will operate o the outside of those. We will continue and endure."
With a final bow the man excused himself. He walked from the Temple. Of all things, he looked out of place. Not undead nor a cultist. There was no taint on him or magic that connected him to his Lord. There was an eddy around him as though the smell and aura of the place was being rejected from his surroundings.
It was time to cause damage.
Shit is coming your way @lex-zaiya! Hehehe.
Thank you for reading!
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