In the darkness the remains of our tribulations serve as reminders, tombs left adrift in the night…
Writers : Adrin (Severce) and Teki (CharlotteCarrendar.)
Fiend of Morsoram – Amojana
The storm cracked sky bled with energies exhumed from the heart of Morsoram, tossed up in one massive pyroclastic plume that choked out the twilight in a blanket of darkness. Molten lava spewed upwards, creating bubbles that popped to release toxic fumes into the air. [Rain of Fire - Prep 2] Amojana’s demanding rage was now within a show of her power, the massive fiend churned within the confines of her chamber, sending flaming rocks smashing into the walls which just seemed to make her temper hotter. The sacrifice she demanded would need to be paid or she would turn upon the one who had freed her. Rings of energy poured from the edges of the blades held within the grasps of her tentacular arms, venom kissed saliva rushing from the angered maws of the others that snapped out beneath her. The massive gear-like crown upon her brow reflected the flames within the crystalline structure of it’s many inset gems. Twisting quintessant structures were moved through process, flooding downwards like an upside down spring to churn the molten pools below.
*
The last of those who had dared to enter her chamber fell to the flames, charred remains scattering like sand as the wind-like churn of energy moved around her. Time was wearing on, she would have what she demanded or there would be nothing left of the island. A rage-ful roar tore from her lips, grumbling from the lowest of planetary growls to the highest pitches of a banshee’s cry. Amojana thirsted, pouted lips spilled like ample cleavage from that of a whore only to reveal twisted row upon row of razor sharp teeth covered in mucus and rot.
*
Small flaming rocks began to fall from the sky with the showerings of ash, the rocks smashed against already broken homes and the ruins of the temple itself, some even colliding with those who tried to run for cover, it was a brutal way for men to die but it was what was demanded, the fiends had their price for service and if it had been paid once it was expected to be paid again.
Adrin
*
Vials and beakers rattled on their shelves as the facility shook under the quake of Amojana’s fury, the force of the ground moving interrupted power supplies causing the lights to flicker off and then back on again. Adrin’s form stirred as the life sign indicators above the bed began to climb rapidly, sending alarms buzzing throughout the facility; it was unlikely anyone would come, outside the sky was falling. The nurse who was at his attend watched as the priestess lowered herself beside the bed, she knew something was going on and didn’t know what. The sponge that had been within her hand fell to the floor with a splatter as the hand of Adrin snapped into motion, curling about her wrist with a vice-like hold.
*
Through the same link that Adrin had utilized to summon the priestess, he spoke to her once more. ‘The fiend of this prefecture calls for a sacrifice and in exchange for her loyalty we shall provide her with it.’ He whispered into the priestess’ thoughts, his charismatic and seemingly gentle tones spilling like an alluring symphony within her mind. ‘Take this young one to the chamber, and sacrifice her upon the altar of the fiend according to the rituals found within the Book of Qu’eall.’ The task that had been given was a steep one, but the blood of the innocent young woman would be all that would appease the wanting fiend.
*
“Go now…” he said verbally, thrusting the captured arm of the nurse towards Teki. It was up to his priestess now, to deliver the sacrifice in time to save the island and all who inhabited it and to regain the trust and loyalty of the angry fiend.
*
-
Teki Bonebard
*
Upon bended knee as if praying to a deity, Teki fell silent. Only the sound of her breathe escaping her nostrils and the rise and fall of her chest indicated life. In tune with all that went on around her, focused however on the man that lay on the hospital bed. Mind of mind fused, to hear the sweet whispers of his voice, like fingers that caress the hair of a child. All around chaos and madness, the very skies were hell fire, the earth does tremor and quaked for Amojana sought her sacrifice to be appeased. Her wrath at being awoken great, and only the blood of innocent would appease her unquenchable thirst. Lights flickered, glass tinkled in a melody that rang of impending destruction if the will of Adrin was not carried out to the full. Signs of movement, the Priestess brought her tattooed hands together, and held them palm to palm with the index fingers gracing the tip of her nose. Rounded buttocks rest upon her calves, that were in perfect alignment. Back held straight, rigid in her form. Opening up like a hibiscus flower; soft petals in an exquisite shade. Ripe; ready to be pollinated.
*
The swift action of Adrin to grasp the wrist of the unsuspecting maiden was seen with Teki’s third eye. The tremor of fear pulsated from the nurse, however Teki remained passive and calm. Each whispered word, instruction from the Son was heeded, and understood. Teki’s role was a simple one. The Priestess’s loyalty would surely be tested in the act to appease and bring peace once more to the Island, which shook under the threat of wanton destruction from within its belly.
*
’Take this young one to the chamber, and sacrifice her upon the altar of the fiend according to the rituals found within the Book of Qu’eall.’
*
Teki rose to standing in a manner that was swift and without releasing her hands that were still held in prayer before her supple lips. Her chin tilted up, eyelids opened and the dark aura of her irises reflected that of the body of the Son. Teki did not need to utter a word, either of mind or tongue, for her actions were of compliance. The Priestess stood still, till Adrin spoke audibly, and thrust the captured arm of the nurse in the direction of Teki. “Go now…” he ordered, as the nurse stumbled, nearly slipping on the puddle created by the sponge on the floor. Clearly upset and frightened by the tremor of the facility and the explosions that rocked the hillside all around, her tear filled eye searched Teki’s face for answers.
*
”What’s happening? Where must I go? I am on duty.”
*
The nurse babbled, rubbing her wrist that bore Adrin’s finger marks. Another massive tremor caused beakers to fall from their shelves, smashing and sending out shards of glass and liquid upon the floor. The nurse was now panic stricken and looked back to Adrin on the bed.
*
“Who will care for him?…I’m so scared.”
*
A look of calm, peace and a wistful smile played upon Teki’s lips, as she reached out with both hands to cradle the cheeks of the tear stricken nurse.
*
“Shhh…Sweet child. He has spoken, and we must obey.”
*
Teki then brings the girl’s face right to hers, and kisses her lips softly, but then exhales the smoke that she had held within her lungs, into the mouth of the terrified nurse. The very same smoke that the Shayman had sent to Teki. Drawing back, you can see wisps of grey escaping her lips. The nurse started to calm, her body ceasing from the trembling.
*
“Yessss. Seeee…That’sss it…Come.”
*
The Priestess’s words were like the rasping sound of a serpent; her head tilting and eyes focused on her charge. Her body moves with the fluid like grace of a King Cobra; a dance to entice the girl to follow her. In a trance like state, the nurse drops her arms to her sides, and follows the Priestess, who leads her out of the medical facility. Past the peering gaze of other staff, who clear the path and one even opens the door, to a world bathed in darkness and fire.
*
*
The smell of death raised high into the air, bodies burnt and charred from falling molten rocks littered the ground like a battlefield that had lost to a power unmatched. Within the center of a field, the ground had been swallowed, with thick plumes of ash and smoke billowing out like the gaping maw of a volcano. Glowing red hot embers lined the route, and Teki walked over them barefoot; no longer feeling pain, or sorrow. Haplessly, the nurse followed, and her shoes caught fire, burning the soles of her feet. Affected by the smoke of the Shayman, she could not stop and was to endure the pain as the pair reached stairs carved out of stone, that descended into the hellish pit. Far below, the roar of Amojana – The Fiend of Morsoram shook the walls of the cavern hollow. Sparks of fire danced on the rising hot air that blasted up from below, the two women descending into hell itself. Down down…twisted stairs, littered with hot rocks and ash, blood and bone of the fallen. Cooked flesh and burnt hair putrid; mixed with sulphur and toxic gasses that blacken the lungs of mortals in minutes. Skeletal remains hung off jagged rocks; jaws agape, their twisted bones broken and brittle from the extreme heat.
*
The Priestess reached the lower cavern first, her body glazed from sweat and humidity. Hair tossed and teased by the blasts of heated air, erupting from the lava pools. Edges of her silks; burnt and black. Teki raised her head before the Fiend of Morsoram, both arms outstretched, with the palms turned over to show the offering of a gift. A gift to appease, one that was innocent. Blood pure, skin untouched by the hands of men. A girl child, barely of age. Teki’s seashell bracelets clinked and chimed; the Priestess turning on the ball of her left foot, to bring the nurse forward, and have her lay on the altar of Amojana. The nurse walked past the Priestess, though in her eyes you could see the fear in her life. She climbed up and lay herself down.
*
Amojana was a fearsome sight to behold. Tentacle like arms lashing out, gripping the swords that exudes rings of pure energy, while in behind the lava rained down like cascading molten rivers; hot rocks smashing upon the moving stones that continued to rotate around and around. Bathed in the glow of this fierce beast, the Priestess lent forward, and kissed the girl’s lips a second time, only to draw back the smoke that filled her lungs, and absorb it into her own being. The moment the smoke left her, the girl came out of her hypnotic state, and turned her head in horror, to see the foul beast, that was towering over them both. What the girl did not realize, was that Teki had reached behind her back with her right hand, and withdrew a bone dagger that was slashed to the leather tie that wound around her small waist. The nurse screamed out in horror, and did not see Teki place both hands around the carved handle and raise the dagger on high; the tip of the blade pointed directly at the girl’s chest. Inhaling sharply, Teki screamed out.
*
“The Book of Qu’eall demands the heart of a virgin!”
*
Teki plunges the dagger deep into the girl’s chest, tearing back, and with her left hand, she reaches into the cavity, and slices out the heart whole. The nurse’s body writhes and eyes of horror stare up at Amojana, as Teki withdraws the still beating heart of the nurse, dropping the bone dagger on the alter. Holding it aloft, Teki chants in her native tongue; smile wide on her face;
*
*
“This heart beats with the blood of innocence, Amojana. Take thy gift to appease your anger. FOR HE HAS RETURNED!”
*
Teki places the still beating heart beside the bone dagger, and then marks her cheeks, in lines with the blood of the nurse. Full droplets trickle down her own arms; still warm and smelling fresh from the kill. The priestess steps back, and holds out her bare hands once more, in exultation to Amojana’s power. Greatest respect to the Fiend of Morsoram Island. But is it enough?
