User blog:Mauller/Absolution 006

Absolution, Chapter:006


‘My feet are sore… my ankles hurt… my legs hurt… I need the toilet… I am hungry.’ The disgruntled voice of a young girl echoed across the winter landscape. Grating at her guardian’s sanity. ‘Teiaaa Feeeed meee…’ But this scene was a common occurrence between the two.

‘Will you shut up?! I have had it with all this crap. Malachi?! Can you get her to shut up?!’ Teia started pulling her shoulder length hair while growling at her partner. ‘Why do you always do this to me?! What did I do to deserve this?!’

The younger girl tilted her pointed hat and readjusted her glasses. She could be mistaken for a witch at first glance. But the religious markings and runes on her clothing would tell you otherwise. ‘Because you are stupid, while I am cute and sweet. And! You have to do everything I say.’ She folded her arms and nodded. ‘Yep, that sums it up.’

‘I do not have to do everything you say!’ Teia grabbed the young girl’s shoulders and grinned at her. ‘Maybe I should suck the… dow! Hey! Don’t hit me!’

‘Well you should keep your mouth shut, don’t think ya old enough to avoid a tanned backside little missy.’ The burly man who was guiding the varied group of people leant towards Teia and whispered into her ear. ‘You best watch that tongue of yours, remember our company.’

Teia gulped and held the silver Rosario that dangled around her neck. but she soon shook her head then straightened her waist coat and blouse. ‘Just tell her to stop pestering me. And I am not a child Malachi. I am sixteen, sixteen! Not twelve like the runt.’

‘Hey! Who you calling a runt?’ The youngest of the three snorted and folded her arms.

The middle aged man bellowed a laugh and slapped the girl on the back. Causing her to miss a few steps while she adjusted her hat. He looked back at his men and the group they were guiding before turning to the girls again. ‘Just keep your wits about you. Remember the barbarian oath?’ The girls groaned, looked at each other, and then sighed.

‘For kin and clan, we fight as one.’ The girls recited in a monotonous tone.

‘Good, just remember that you are family. Even if ya both be pains in the neck and born from different women.’ The man gave the girls a smile then checked the surroundings again. He could see his scouts in the distance near a treeline. And with the flag they had raised he knew they found what the group were looking for.

Teia leant close to her companion and started whispering. ‘He talks about women like he knows anything about them. It must be like kissing a cactus with those whiskers of his.’

The younger of the two held her hands over her mouth and snorted. ‘I thought barbarian babies popped out of the ground with a full beard.’

Teia was having a hard time holding herself back as she snorted and covered her mouth. ‘Oh god’s, can you imagine if Malachi had a mother, it must have been like giving birth to a broom.’ The girls burst into laughter and ended up supporting each other. But the large hand that soon rested on their shoulders made them squeal.

‘The tale is that dwarves pop out of holes in the ground Eleanor. And my mother is a wonderful woman if ya want to meet her Teia. I am sure you would love her to pieces.’ Malachi chortled when the two hurried away. ‘Just stay out of trouble. We will be having a chat about your behaviour later.’ With that said, the girls stuck out their tongues and ran off.

‘Damn girls, going to get us all in trouble one day. But can’t be without them.’ The barbarian crested the oncoming hill and surveyed the scenery. Nothing but white fields and patches of forest surrounded them, but it was nothing odd to him. If anything it was reminiscent of his home which was a slight comfort, yet in these lands he always felt on edge.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Interesting company you keep, not that I can question your choices Major.’ A man adorned in ornate light-plate rode up to Malachi. His white war stallion shying back when the barbarian turned to look.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘They are good girls, stronger than they look. The youngen needs the money for her studies and the other is like a daughter to me. But they get their work done when the time comes.’ Malachi kept checking for signs of his other scouts. But when he saw them returning and giving the “no sign” signal, he set towards the first party he spotted.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It is an amusing system that your mercenary company uses. Although I must admit to its benefits, I almost feel disheartened that my own men were unable to keep track of the creature.’ The man on horseback checked on his own charge. Their combined force was only twenty strong, including himself, Malachi and the girls. ‘I pray that those two don’t attract unwanted attention.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And if they did they would beat it within an inch of its life.’ Malachi turned to the man with a grin then burst into laughter. ‘You should not underestimate the little miss. I can see big things from her, she could give your Minmiru a run for her money when she puts her mind to it.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The man on horseback raised an eyebrow and watched the girls as they threw snowballs at each other. ‘Then why have I not heard of her? If she has the ability, then why does she not hold a similar station?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Barbarian shook his head and looked away to the distance. ‘Because she does not want that way of life, that and she is a bit of a black-sheep with the institute. So they try to keep knowledge of her quiet. But she is happy to learn and find her own place, although she still ends up crossing axes at times.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Crossing axes?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Barbarian term. I mean that she ends up having to fight, even if she hates it.’ Malachi winced when he heard a horn call from the distance. And his men shook their heads in disbelief. They all knew what the sound meant, although they chose semaphore as a preference.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah, it would appear my forces have found the creatures location. Better luck next time Malachi, I guess the credit goes to me.’ With a kick to his horse’s sides, the rider set off to a group in the far distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi rubbed his brow and gestured for his men to return. ‘Damn inquisition, but at least they pay their escorts well.’

<p class="MsoNormal">When he stopped rubbing his eyes, he noticed Eleanor smiling up at him while petting the cat in her satchel. ‘Are you alright? Did they find the trail in the end?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The middle aged barbarian smiled, picked the girls hat off her head then ruffled her hair. ‘Indeed they did, but we still get our pay. They also have to capture the creature, so we can still earn that bonus if we get there first. There is also a farm nearby, so maybe we can get you some were-sheep wool bedding.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor straightened her hair then grabbed her hat and pulled it down over her head. ‘Stop doing that… you mess up my mana flow. And for the last time, I don’t need no stupid magic bedding. I have an active imagination at night which makes it hard to sleep.’ The girl adjusted her glasses, folded her arms, then nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">She jumped when a pair of arms grabbed her from behind. ‘More like your head gets full of hot air in the day. Being in the same room is bad enough without you hopping into my bed all the time.’ Teia’s head appeared from behind Eleanor’s hat. She started smiling while tightening the straps on Eleanor’s robe.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I get cold at night… Hey! I don’t hop into your bed all the time! It’s not like I stay over yours every night! And why would I want to anyway?!’ Teia let go when Eleanor head butted her in the nose. ‘Hah! Point to me! Now who is the bes… ahh! Get off me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi rubbed his temples again and sighed. ‘Lord Mother help us all.’ The two girls started fighting. And even when the band had gathered they continued with their torrent of name calling and hair pulling. But being a common occurrence, none of the soldiers batted an eye. Instead they paid attention to their leader as he gave out orders.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now come on you two, we got work to do.’ The barbarian grabbed the girls by the ear and started dragging them along to the amusement of his men. But a quick glance from their leader told them it was time for business.

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls straightened their clothes and fell in line alongside Malachi. His men remained alert as they approached the inquisition soldiers in the distance. They knew they were near the end of their journey.

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">Colours popped in my vision while my head span. Panic struck when I struggled to breathe. My chest felt as though it was being crushed, yet the objects crushing me felt soft and firm. I only noticed that something was playing with my tongue when I tried to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That’s it girl! Let loose for once! Stop being such a stick in the mud!’   I could hear Amanda over the rambunctious crowd. Many of them were cheering on the Minotaur girl from what I could tell. But my mind still felt fuzzy, I couldn’t remember what happened between the girl charging and now.

<p class="MsoNormal">I gasped for air when she finished exploring my mouth. When I looked up after a fit of coughing I saw the Minotaur girl grinning at me. ‘Pucker up lover, we only just getting started.’ The look in her eyes was strange, she was looking at me but did not appear conscious of it. As though she was daydreaming or running on instinct.

<p class="MsoNormal">Strange, where did that thought come from?

<p class="MsoNormal">Her dilated pupils kept drawing me in and robbing me of thought. But the constant swatting of her tail against my sides brought me back to reality. I was stuck between a hard place and a difficult situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now get ready sugar, I have a tasty treat for you.’ It was a relief when she loosened her grip, but the grin on her face never left. She soon grabbed my head and forced my face into her breast. ‘Now drink!’ Not wanting to upset her I suckled on queue. The creamy warmth that entered my mouth was refreshing and different to what I expected.

<p class="MsoNormal">It tasted fantastic. And from the way she moaned a sigh, I think she felt more relieved than I did.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hmm… so good.’ She started petting my head as I continued to drink, I did not want to upset her regardless of how embarrassed I felt. The chorus of cheering jolted me back to reality from the dream like trance I kept falling into. It was different from the tiredness I felt when wearing Molly’s coat.

<p class="MsoNormal">It felt difficult to think unless I concentrated.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now the other… hmm… ah! Yes! Just like that.’ She bit her lower lip when I changed teat and sighed when I started to drink. It was a strange experience, I could feel myself growing full yet I wanted more. All while a peculiar warmth was building inside me.

<p class="MsoNormal">I held my breath when she grabbed my head and forced my lips against her own. Her tongue darted into my mouth and she started drinking the milk that remained. Her moans added to the warmth that was spreading through my body. But the moment that feeling hit my spine, my muscles exploded with energy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her face remained pressed against my own as she continued licking the juices from my mouth. When her hands loosened from my shoulders and ran down my body, I raised my arms and pushed her away. She flew halfway across the workshop and skidded to a stop. Her look of determination returned when she crouched and kicked at the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">Clapping from above drew my attention. ‘Ooh! Nice work champ, but the fun has only started.’ Amanda smiled while her legs kicked bellow her. ‘I bet you’re feeling all kinds of giddy from that milk. A Minotaur’s is special you see. And you better hurry if you don’t want to get caught again, I don’t think she can hold herself back this time.’ she winked and pointed downwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">A roar alerted me to the large cow girl charging again. The berserk look had returned to her eyes as her pupils narrowed to pin pricks. My heart felt as though it stopped when the world around me slowed. Her strength and speed were terrifying. But my hands moved on their own and sent her flying over my shoulder and into the far wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">A chorus of boos and sneering filled the barn while the enraged girl staggered to her feet. When she spotted me her pupils dilated and her face flushed.

<p class="MsoNormal">She bellowed and charged once more but tripped after a few steps. I tried to avoid her but my feet became tangled in the discarded rope that was used to bind her. Although I managed to jump back a few paces, it was still not enough since her hands clamped down on my waist.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her face further flushed as it hovered in front of my crotch. She then looked up at me with a smile that made my heart miss a beat. I could feel something inside me churning, a warmth that was building and forcing me towards the girl. But I kept pushing it aside, I needed to escape the situation and bring her back to her senses.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, I guess I should, if they insist.’ The Minotaur went from a sweet smile to a mischievous grin. Her hands tightened their grip and she gave my trousers a tug. ‘Aww, don’t be horrid now, I only want to play.’ She started giggling as the crowd chanted “Pull Them Off.” Her tail whipped behind her while she kneeled in front of me. The girls above screamed and cheered when she dropped my leg coverings to my thighs.

<p class="MsoNormal">This is going from bad to worse, I won’t be able to run like this. I need to do something and get away fast.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Whatever you are thinking, you don’t have to do this. I didn’t know it was you, I was trying to help remember?’ She licked her lips and I found myself doing the same. The taste of her milk was still strong, its texture and flavour sent a jolt through my body when I was reminded of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Don’t be like that, after you said those sweet words to me earlier.’ She batted her eyes lids and smiled. I shook my head after another dazed moment of staring into her eyes. And pulled up my underwear and covered my crotch when I realised I was pulling them down. ‘Aww, don’t be shy, little you isn’t all there yet. But I know what will fix that.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd above started squealing and giggling as I covered myself. With a final tug she dropped my trousers to my ankles then pushed me onto my butt. ‘No points in hiding it, I feel the same.’ She pulled of my boots and trousers then threw them to the side. While sat on her heels she put her thumbs into her waistband. ‘Now get ready lover, since we aren’t stopping till sun down.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked above and a few of the girls in the crowd were wiping their mouths. Even Amanda appeared to be salivating at the show. She blushed when I looked at her but held up her thumb and pointed down to the Minotaur. ‘Keep your eye on the prize champ.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I started pushing myself back along the floor when I saw what was happening. The Minotaur girl had pulled her thick farm overalls down to her knees, exposing a layer of brown fur that covered her waist and legs. The fur between her thighs was sodden and filling the air with a smell that was making my head spin.

<p class="MsoNormal">The room went silent when the doors to the interior of the barn opened. ‘Martin, You in here?’ A familiar pair of voices called out in unison. The Minotaur looked and fell over when she snorted at the interlopers. She had gone to stand but her trousers had tangled around her knees, leaving her wiggling on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was the twins, their faces looked bleak when they spotted me and the Minotaur. They gritted their teeth and their faces reddened. ‘What is going on in here?! You were supposed to be helping us!’ They looked up when they heard a snort and lost all colour when Amanda waved at them. ‘You?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes me, what about it?’ Amanda put her hands on her hips and frowned at the twins. ‘You two should be working, not slacking off.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The ripping of fabric brought everyone’s attention back to the large cow girl. She started growling and her muscles bulged, causing the ripping sound to grow. Everyone gasped when they looked at her blood shot eyes as she stared at the twins.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Girls! Run!’ Even with my command they stood frozen and staring. The adrenaline of the moment helped clear my head. So I ran for them, just dodging the Minotaur as she swiped at me. So with my milk enhanced strength I grabbed the two by the waist and ran out of the building.

<p class="MsoNormal">The roar from behind and splintering of wood was all I needed to hear. The chase had begun.

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">I kept blowing fur from my face as a tail brushed me on occasion. The situation was already awkward without being wedged in from all sides. The twins had claimed my arms while the large cow girl hugged my neck from behind the sofa. I would feel less embarrassed if her breasts were not pressed against my shoulders. But she just smiled when i looked up at her while she rested her chin on my head.

<p class="MsoNormal">And the twins were not helping as my arms had ended up between their cleavages. Again.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sneezed from the constant irritation of the tail fur. And was rewarded with a glare from the woman that sat on my lap. ‘Do that again prey and I will make you clean my feet with your tongue.’

<p class="MsoNormal">For reasons I did not care to discover, I had ended up with the wolf woman sat on my lap. A small smile brightened her Stoney face, a look of superiority and amusement. She groaned then held her forehead. ‘Do not look at me in that way, my injuries are none of your concern.’ She then sat back and rested her head on my shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Will you remove ya head from my breast, I am not fond of smelling like wet dog.’ The arms around my neck tightened as the Minotaur girl grumbled. ‘Even if I have to put up with em, I would rather they not smell like mutt.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The weight on my head and neck loosened and the girls ended up butting heads over my shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You got a problem cow? I never had the chance to finish you off.’ Even with her visible injuries and short recovery, the wolf woman’s stamina amazed me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Finish off? You was the one that was bloomin attacking me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ahh! Girls! Can’t breathe…’ Their combined strangle holds were finishing off my weary body. I could already see the periphery of my vision fading, but it felt strange and familiar.

<p class="MsoNormal">They both abated after a final bout of growling and returned to their original positions. Although the tail in front of me was now joined by the occasional swatting on the side of the head from behind. When I looked up, the Minotaur girl grinned and gave me a squeeze.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Prey, do I smell wet to you?’ I ended up with a face full of fluffy white fur before it moved again. The wolf woman still looked stony although I was sure I saw a slight hint of colour in her cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No! Not at all.’ She smiled, revealing her large incisor and gave them a lick when I replied. But in truth, her fur smelt amazing. Yet she would rip me to pieces if I said anything, considering she is still calling me her prey.

<p class="MsoNormal">Our attentions snapped to the kitchen door when it slammed open. Amanda ran past us then up the stairs while crying. Geoff soon appeared and made his way across the living room to end up facing the four of us.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Two hutches, half a dozen fences, a dozen gallons of milk lost and three crates of apples ruined. I don’t know how you managed to fell that tree but it would have come down and hurt someone if you hadn’t. And none of that includes the loss of sales from the girls you scared.’ He started pacing around the front room while holding his chin. ‘You know the poultry won’t lay for a week with how wound up they are. They were already spooked by that horn earlier. And I won’t even start with the holstaur’s, unless we do something quick their milk won’t be right for a month.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The twins had drained of colour and the swatting from behind had increased in frequency. But beside the odd readjustment of her position, the wolf woman did not seem to care what was happening. She only seemed interested in me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And you!’ Geoff started walking towards me while pointing, a furious look on his face. The twins jumped and grip from behind tightened. The wolf growled a quiet warning but Geoff ignored her. ‘I help you and this is how I am repaid? You are going to help fix this. That goes for all four of you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The twins bleated in surprise, the cow girl mooed and the wolf like woman yelped. I gagged when I realised it would take longer before I could find Kim. But sighed and relaxed when I understood that he was right.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Why do I have to help? I stopped that cow on her rampage.’ The fur on the wolf woman’s pelt stood on end, it was strange how it reacted to her without being attached. ‘If it was not for me she might have killed… Do not touch me cow! Do you want me to bite your throat out?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I grunted when her knee collided with my stomach. And It looked graceful when she twisted and jumped over my head at the Minotaur. But The two ended up wrestling on the floor while arguing with each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">Geoff sighed and rubbed his temples. ‘It’s her damn fault the poultry are in shock. Those with lovers might be alright in no time, but it’s the youngens I am worried about. She damn near frightened them to death.’ He ran his hands down his face then looked at the twins since they had buried their faces behind my shoulders. ‘I should have warned you about her lad, damn girl always causing trouble when she can. So I take some responsibility, but it would be nice if you can carry on helping.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So he can stay?!’ The twins launched themselves at Geoff and started hugging him. Their giggling was joined by his chuckles. Their tails wagged behind them as he petted them.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Of course, I need the help. Now for Lin and Amanda.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The large cow girls head appeared from behind the sofa. ‘Ya call? Hey! Stop biting me ya damn mutt!’ She soon disappeared and the commotion on the floor reached a new level of name calling and obnoxious boasting.

<p class="MsoNormal">A number of chattering girls and excited screams passed the farmhouse windows. Geoff’s brow furrowed and he went to have a look. ‘Hey lad, what do you make of this?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The twins joined him and pressed their faces against the glass. Their bums started wagging as much as their tails after a few moments. ‘Oh wow!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Leaving the two behind the sofa to carry on with their argument, I went to the window to take a look. ‘Ha! I have to make sure!’ I rushed to the door and stopped when I was grabbed. The twins were holding my arm while looking starry eyed at me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Geoff walked over while still looking confused. ‘So you know who that is lad?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I would recognise that caravan anywhere.’

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">I managed to slip away after Geoff talked with the girls. He sent the Minotaur Lin back to the barn with the twins. While the strange white haired woman remained in the house. She seemed worse off after her scuffle, a few of her wounds had reopened and her strength seemed to fail her. So I ended up helping her back to bed, to her annoyance, before leaving.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh good, I can see Goldie.’ I waved to my companion who was sat in her usual spot on the caravan’s roof. Her hood nodded in return before she went back to sharpening her blade.

<p class="MsoNormal">It appeared Kim was going all out, everything she stocked was on display. You would think a market had opened in the field by the farms entrance at first glance. From a quick count it seemed every table and canopy she owned was out. And it also looked the part with the number of girls and farmhands present.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I made my way to the hustle and bustle of bodies it became clear how busy Kim must be. I soon noticed a familiar bob of hair, complete with hairclip, moving about in the crowd. I kept losing her as I mingled with the throng. ‘Damn pain, oh that is three silver and four copper… thank you for the custom… what am I doing?’ After helping a group of excited sheep girls, I went to the side of the caravan to deposit the coinage.

<p class="MsoNormal">But a small hand knocked into mine. ‘oh sorry, you first…’ I looked to the side and saw Kimiko staring up at me. We stood looking at each other for a few moments before Her brows furrowed, followed by a gasp.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin?! Martin! Martin Martin Martin? Martin!’ She held my arm and started shaking me. I turned to face her and gave her a smile, she took a step back before covering her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Did you need something Kim?’ I chuckled and she audibly inhaled before bursting into tears. Her face ended up buried against my chest when she began hugging me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was so worried?! I couldn’t sleep. I waited up all night for you to return and came to find you as soon as Goldie told me what happened.’ I felt a little embarrassed as the crowd turned to look at us, a few of the girls smiled while others whispered and pointed. ‘I am sorry for shouting at you… I didn’t mean for something bad to happen.’ She snorted then rubbed her snotty nose on my clean shirt.

<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks Kim, that’s the second shirt of Geoff’s I have dirtied today.

<p class="MsoNormal">I patted her head and returned the hug. My cheeks warmed when a communal “aww” came from the crowd. But Kim seemed happy as she rubbed her head against my palm. Well I am glad that she is okay, it is nice to have someone worry about you.

<p class="MsoNormal">I feel a little warm inside from it.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was so worried that you wouldn’t come back…’ She sniffled some more and hugged me tighter. She then sighed and looked up at me while smiling. ‘I was worried that I wouldn’t get my money back.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My mood dropped through the floor along with my heart. A few familiar faces in the crowd started snickering while everyone returned to browsing. But Kim kept watching me and smiling in her over enthusiastic manner. ‘Ow! Don’t hit me on the head. What did I do? I came to look for you. I even had something special planned… I mean I had a special treat… gift… meal! Planned for when you got back last night.’ Her face went bright red as she switched between watching my face and the market.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And here I thought you were warming up to me. But all you wanted was your money back?’ I bent forwards so I was within eye line of her. But she didn’t move back in time and our noses ended up touching.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘B… B… But! I did miss you…’ she hopped back and covered her face again. ‘You are such a jerk at times!’ She ended up running off into the crowd. I thought I saw steam coming from her head before she disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">The ruffling of cloth alerted me to Goldie dropping off the roof. ‘She means well, even if she can’t find the right words at times.’ I almost thought I heard her chuckle. ‘She has not slept and it is visible that she is struggling. You should help her.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I know, I should help with this crowd. But it is amusing to see her a little flustered.’ Why would I say that? But it feels like something I would say. Odd.

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie put her hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. ‘Be careful around her for a while, give her some breathing room. Rubbing noses holds a special meaning for her people.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean by… that?’ She was gone when I turned, her sudden disappearances still unnerved me. ‘Well I guess I should help with the market.’

<p style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">A mile from the farm, waiting on an overlooking hillside, was a group of soldiers. Each one of them wearing the same white and gold trimmed uniforms. All marked with same spade tipped crucifix across the breast. The mark signified them as belonging to “The order of god”.

<p class="MsoNormal">One of the group broke away and walked to her approaching superior. Her tabard skirt decorated with a larger cross. And at the centre of the cross was the all Seeing Eye. The mark of the inquisitors of the inquisition.

<p class="MsoNormal">She saluted her superior when he stopped his horse and dismounted. ‘Inquisition Major! We have a reported sighting of the creature ahead. There also appears to be a strange gathering near the entrance of the farmstead.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The man removed his gloves and took a spyglass from one of his subordinates. ‘Interesting, so it is one of those kinds of farms. No wonder they would harbour such a demon without knowing.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Sir? What are your orders? Do we attack now or wait till the commotion has passed?’ The woman tied up her long white hair then stood by his side. Her men remained waiting and hidden from sight, making sure they were not visible from the farm.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tossing the spyglass to one of the men, the inquisition major started walking towards the approaching Malachi. ‘We wait until dawn lieutenant. Now I need to chat with our escort’s leader. Make sure the mana burners are used tonight. We don’t want camp fires drawing attention to our position.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes sir! But if I may ask, why wait until dawn sir? It could escape before then. And we could storm the farmstead with ease.’ The young lieutenant shied back when her superior gave her a fiendish grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘The beast is licking its wounds and won’t move for a while. This gives our men a good opportunity to recuperate from the days trek.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The young woman shifted her footing and exhaled once her superior stopped watching her. But something still lingered that bothered her. ‘Why dawn sir?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her superior started laughing while walking away. ‘Because my dear, no one expects the inquisition.’

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