Hero Wars
Issaries, Inc. |
The Travels of Biturian VaroshThree Blows of Anger
Though I approached the community as a peaceful trader
without hostile intent, they chose instead to abuse my offers. I found myself
in an embarrassing position because I was the only Lightbringer nearby, and
was needed as such to fill the antagonist position in one of their rituals.
I protested mightily, but my best orations did not daunt their leader, a Light Son named Ruric. He pointed to Norayeep's slave bracelets and collar and asked, "Are you not the Keeper of the Earth?" and "Are you not the friend and guardian of Orlanth, our foe?" I was placed in a cage with others being held for the ritual, who seemed even less fit than I to fulfill the roles of Orlanth for these sun-worshippers. I knew not even what rites the temple planned, and so could not prepare myself properly. As the Yelmalios prepared their circle, one of my fellows, a High Llama warrior named Gorali, spoke to me, explaining that the five men and women in the circle were husbands and wives, ordained five years before, and now their religion demanded that they give up their marriages for the priesthood. Gorali said that one Light Servant was angry about having to give up his wife, and planned to enact the 'three blows of anger' of their god: Yelmalio had killed three enemies when his wife was stolen by the air gods, and the priest hoped to repeat the act -- on us. Could I attack him? Could I fight back? I was totally unfamiliar with the rites. "If you distract him," said Gorali, "I will go behind him and kill him." I hastily agreed as they herded us out for battle. At least they let us arm for it. Never underestimate the skills of this cult. They fought well, though one hung back after performing his minimal ritual obligations. But my foe killed one man with his spear, which broke, cast a salamander at me, hacked another to death with his sword, then turned back to engage me. In the fight I used up most of my own magic, and much of my spirit's. Of that, half was for healing. I also used Dismiss Elemental, Orlanth's Shield, and my bronze helmet (worth 650 Lunars) was cut in half. In the end it was my allied spirit's great sacrifice which saved me, thanks be to Issaries. Gorali killed our foe from behind as he promised, and received not a scratch. The priest did not return to this plane. Gorali received the priest's weapons and armor, as well as the woman as a prize, and that worthy gave me the armor, returned the weapons to the temple, and then mounted his steed and disappeared towards the Vulture Lands with the best of his winnings. A most unfair fight. Most grievous was the life force lost by Eye-whisper, my ally, who traded it to restore my life. I did not think the florid, golden-decorated armor an even exchange at all. In total, a vile day which did not endear this cult to me. |
