The Mouth of the Gods

The Hermit

Braelik moved slowly across the courtyard looking about, searching for a sign amongst the many pedestals. They were silent. Atop each pedestal sat a small figurine. Some were made of wood and crudely crafted. Others of stone and precious metals were better made. No matter their nature, all were quiet. The Ahghaust were not speaking to Braelik tonight. The hermit could not recall a time in his whole life when, at the very least, the Maiden of Sacrifice would not speak to him.

Braelik worried. He sat cross legged before a small wooden statue. Little more than child's carving, the figure was carved by Braelik years ago before he left the rock. It remained his most precious carving, the one through which he could speak to the Maiden.

Nothing.

Brealik pulled the ragged jade blade from his belt. This, his first weapon, sliced across both palms. Blood pooled before Braelik's crossed legs. He lifted the figurine from the pedestal and bathed it in his blood while whispering the Maiden's name over again and again.

Nothing.

Braelik then knew the time had come. His mind wandered back to his youth. He sat upon a rock overlooking a winding river. The Maiden was nearby, speaking to him. "You are the Mouth of the Ahghaust. In time, you may come to speak for them, to become their will in this world and open paths for them to return. You will know that time." That had been many years ago.

As Braelik rose he glanced at the sky and the moon. The moon was little more than sliver of pale light on a horizon festooned with so many glittering starts it seemed as if milk were pouring from the heavens.

Then a bat flew by. It coursed through the air coming ever closer to Braelik. Then came near to his head for a moment and then went about its hunt in the darkest. This was the only sign. The only message Braelik recieved from the Gods. He strode resolutely across the courtyard and into the Monestary's grounds searching for Kai, Tolvar, Karaji and even Stark.

They were not to be found in the monestary. Braelik left the enclosure through the Ostinhote, the Gate of the Toad, and headed along the pathetic to Alese as gloomy clouds began blot and smear the stars in the eastern horizon.