《On the Creation of a God》


 The talk

    Sanu Nepe¡¯s journal


    My heart is brimming with joy beyond what I thought my frame could withstand, and my head is overflowing with lofty and ambitious dreams. But let us not get ahead of ourselves. I encountered a great and lofty amount of activity within the center of the town, centered around the tree which sprouted from St. Sini Naqihu¡¯s corpse, once the breath of life, had left it all those decades ago. It was now decorated with countless offerings of food and clothing wrapped around its bushy branches. I looked around as people prepared all sorts of activities for joy, the smells of cooking food filled the air alongside the quick footsteps of stammering children. Dogs and goblins alike gathered eager for a meal, fearsome and savage beings, prepared to fight one another for mere scraps.


    I dodged between such beings and questioned a pair of women who were employed in kneading balls of corn dough and cooking them to produce tortillas. I quickly asked her in the region''s native savage and uncouth tongue, ¡°Reveal to me, if you please, the source of all the activity which has swarmed the region. Some wedding or funeral?.¡±


    One of the women laughed at me condescendingly as if I was a young and foolish child who didn¡¯t understand the functioning of the world. While that wreaked a great storm of anger within my heart, equal to a destructive hurricane, I kept all my feelings to myself and listened attentively. ¡°No, no,¡± she stated as she shook her head, ¡°We are not commemorating events undertaken solely by mortals. Rather, here we joyfully celebrate the destruction of the fearsome demon Qejonu. Wicked being! Is that not worthy of celebration?¡±


    The woman working beside her bluntly stated, ¡°We are here to work, not to gossip. Either purchase a product or leave.¡± I thanked them profusely despite my inward frustration, stating, ¡°Ah, I apologize, I thank you for enlightening me.¡± In order to ensure continued cordiality with these simple village dwellers, I bought half a dozen of the tortillas even if I had already consumed breakfast. I ate them as I walked, dreams formulating and floating within my head. The death of a god was something rare, those great blundering yet powerful parasites. An idea began to germinate like a seed on ripe soil, laying down thick roots. However, I knew that more information, not available to the people of this ignorant town, was necessary to go ahead on any plan of mine. The most ancient and glorious art was not well-received here, that much has been left clear to me. Horrid shades of the past weighed heavily in my head.


    I approached an old man with brown sagging and wrinkled skin who found himself employed in the selling of some fowl. He possessed a tired countenance and appeared to be falling asleep in mid day as I approached. I provided him with a pleasant smile and stated, ¡°What a most pleasant and auspicious day! Dead be Qejonu. How much do you charge for one of those excellent birds of yours.¡± The man opened his mouth, many teeth absent with the remaining few sprouting up like cacti within a desert mound. Despite this, his voice could clearly be understood as he pleasantly approached me.. ¡°Aye, sir. I¡¯ve got an awful lot of roosters this last year, most of them will end up in stew. You know how it is. These ones ain¡¯t good for fighting. Which one do you want?¡± I pointed to one which looked and smelled healthy and muscular, at least when judged by the standards of the miserable quality of this land''s average fowl. Once removed from the cage he prepared to strip the bird of its head with a long and bloody machete as the chicken was laid bare on a small wooden table. ¡°Halt! I require it alive,¡± once those words left the barrier of my teeth he muttered something under his breath, perhaps displeased at not getting a chance to use the old piece of steel. I attempted to remedy that by explaining, ¡°I¡¯ll be going a little ways from here. I¡¯d like to slaughter it there. To preserve the freshness.¡±


    The ancient man''s countenance did not remain bitter at me for long, he chuckled at me and said, ¡°Yes, it is a merry time. In my youth I would have hunted on a day like this. Divine treasure! Enjoy the youth you¡¯ve got left.¡± The man packed the bird into the cage and handed it to me. That complete, I journeyed into the vast lands outside of the town.


    I went past the structured homes of wood and adobe and past the vast fields of rippling corn and beans which grew on the fertile black earth and were watered by the rain which the shakers of the waves sprayed on the earth after the sun purified it. I wandered to the rocky outskirts of the land and brought with me the rooster, alive and greatly displeased at me. I wisely ignored it as these wild beasts were incapable of learning or reason of any kind. All while struggling with a wooden walking stick through the rocky highlands. To argue with such inhuman beings would be futile. Once I reached a suitably remote spot I prepared a great fire with some dried sticks I had picked up earlier along the rocky trail. My back ached, but I continued on. Once the fire was set, I made sure to add wet leaves and other such plant matter to ensure thick black smoke blossomed like a terrible flower into the vast skies.


    There I stayed, impatiently fiddling with the horrid cotton tunic which was so common within this too-warm land. Even with such light cloth, sweat always made my skin wet. My attention was diverted by a pair of eyes in the woods, the form of a small bipedal creature being clearly seen from what little light of the afternoon sun filtered down the dark canopy into the rocky earth. Upon witnessing that I loudly stated, ¡°if you are one of the wandering spirits, then come and be seated for some time. Let us share food and words alike. But if you are nothing but one of the wild beasts of the field, mindless, inhuman, and brutal, then leave. There is nothing for you here.¡± The creature slowly wandered out of the forest, a lithe being stood. Its head, even when fully raised, only reached to the hips of a young woman. Many beings with such a form had I observed within the lowlands, mindless beasts that gnawed at the weak and the dead. It had the form of nothing but a meager beast, the long legs and the sharp beak but its words revealed a high intellect, ¡°I hear you, foreigner, and I listen. Before you ask anything of me, slaughter that chicken and cook its innards for me to have a meal. If you do not, your words will pass through my internal ears and leave through my breath. I shall be gone quicker than the wind.¡±


    But I merely grinned widely at that and beckoned it closer, ¡°Come, that you may ensure it is prepared to your liking.¡± With one hand I brought forth a terrible blade, short but still deadly. I laid the rooster bare upon a fallen tree trunk, which had been stripped of life by pitiless steel in some former time. With one fell swoop the young bird joined the tree and all the shades of the dead as its blood and life oozed out and forever laid a mark on the wood. I dispatched the rest of the blood into the throat of the terrible yet pitiful spirit made incarnate which greedily drank the blood and remaining life of the bird. The puppeteering spirit eagerly screeched, ¡°Oh, there are few things better than fresh blood. Had you brought dried and lifeless flesh to me I would have left you hearing nothing but the movement of dirt within the air¡±


    I plucked the individual feathers of the bird with much effort. I lamented the fact my acolytes were forced to labor based on the whims of others to obtain food. This meager action was not befitting of masters such as I, but I had few things fit of my former status now. The spirit now made its will known and said, ¡°Cook the gizzard apart, do not empty it of what it contains. Throw the wings for the worms or eat them yourself, I care nothing for them. I leave only them and the bones to you.¡± I gave my nod of approval and went on the tasks it had told me.


    As I left the shards of flesh slowly cooking on a warm stone the creature disapprovingly told me, ¡°Foolish witch, Sanu Nepe, next time bring a comal. I care nothing whatever other spirits you¡¯ve consorted with have told you, stones do not provide taste; they remove it. I require some of your blood as a payment for this mistake on your part.¡± I, however, responded to it in an angered tone, ¡°Do you think I''m a fool? I will not provide you with anything of my own being. Not with the blood that contains my very essence, the blueprints of my design. If you do not take the payment for the chicken, it is already cooked. I can hear the footsteps of other beings in the periphery. Would you have Melo or someone else''s feast instead of you?¡±


    The creature chuckled darkly and bitterly at me before saying, ¡°I submit to your logic. It did no harm to myself to attempt to pull your strings, human. It has been far too long since I dwelt among your kind and consumed cooked flesh. I crave the feeling once more.¡± I fed the creature as a man does a dog or a goblin, throwing the chunks at it after having picked them up with small yet firm sticks of wood. The creature consumed them for a long time, and relayed to me useless information which I will not write down and which I barely even remember. They were nothing but muses about the conflicts it had with hunters, with the beasts of the field, and with other creatures of its own kind it considered lesser. The arrogance the wandering spirits can have even when they are destitute and lacking any kind of worship or veneration is staggering.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Once it had eaten plenty, I looked at it with an angry glance and told it, ¡°I have heard your own words long enough and provided you with cooked flesh; I want answers now. Entertain my musings, if you will. I wish to know about the happenings at Rilu Jiguhi¡± The creature stopped pecking at the ground for whichever morsels remained and faced it with an upfront look. It opened its beak in a wide manner, a mockery of a smile, which I supposed it retained from the time it had puppetered a human body. ¡°Curious about the death of Qejonu, are you? Yes, the old god has truly perished. It is no trick, no jest.¡± The creature let out another mad cackle upon seeing the joy that lit up in my face, but I desired more information, ¡°Tell me how?¡±


    It continued with the story it had been relating, ¡°A great coalition of the nearby lordships, led by who else but Gajohu and their wretched duke. They came over with terrible armies and threatened to bring absolute destruction to his city, many deities and mortal heroes such as Nolina or Nupani. The others tell me great they heard of the horrible deeds they threatened, fire to their buildings, locusts to their fields, plague to their children.¡±


    The creature looked at me and stated, ¡°Nolina told Qejonu she would either retake the city which she had founded or reduce it to a pile of rubble. And that only with John''s death would she be satisfied. And so!¡± The creature raised its voice at that point, ¡°Qejonu destroyed his own mind, he warbled all the memories stored in the great fungal masses into nothingness. His frame was shattered by the work of his own hands, but not in vain, for the city still stands within the fertile valley. Simply under a different ruler¡± With the tale completed I chose to finally reveal my utmost goal and questioned the wandering spirit. ¡°And tell me, oh Huse Napase, the welcome hit, what you would ask of me to obtain a piece of land which contains this shattered and mindless pile of divine fungi, this delectably portentous blank slate. I hold lofty plans for it.¡±


    The creature questioned me in an accusing tone, the wandering spirit revealing all of its thoughts as it turned its head and told me, ¡°Your determination is eternal. You¡¯ve had no success with that wretched art of yours in this land. Were you not driven to this meaningless stretch of land from Cijene due to your practice of that art? It is not welcome here, all abhor it.¡± I scowled at it, greatly angered by its jesting words. I lost all semblance of formality and warmness I had attempted to maintain and hollered out, ¡°How it is that you know all that, you miserable spirit!¡±. I calmed myself and before the creature could respond stated, ¡°But regardless, what I do with my most hallowed art is of no business to you, wretched and miserable spirit with no hope or future! This people''s ignorance will not deter me. Tell me: What must I pay to obtain a chunk of land which houses a relatively whole mass of the deceased god fungal god nestled within the soil?¡±


    It was not good to allow my emotions to gain control of me, but they always raged within me and struck at the most inopportune moments. The creature, however, was not angered but instead amused by my words. It let out its mouth wide open in a mockery of a smile and stated, ¡°Now, did your parents not teach you how to treat a lady? To answer the former question, that acolyte of yours, following close behind your every step, Qinisiru Relino, has been consorting with many spirits. Not just myself, without your knowledge. He¡¯s better at this than you.¡± I interrupted the hated and unworshipped deity and clenched my teeth in abject anger, ¡°Oh that cursed young man! He is a slithering and horrible product of mine. He thinks he can carry out deeds behind my back, does he? But do carry on.¡± The creature continued without the slightest difficulty as if it had never been interrupted. It let out a chirping mockery of a laugh before asking me, ¡°Do you know what is the thing I miss the most of the time when I was a worshipped goddess?¡±


    I was in not even the slightest mood to entertain this game. Yet, when a sentence of complaint began to escape the barrier of my teeth the creature looked at me with such a fierce gaze I chose against that course of action. Instead, I threw out a haphazard guess, ¡°Hands?¡± The spirit looked at the small and ornamental feathers of the body it was currently puppeteering. Useless pile of fungal slime, annoying game-maker. It responded in an agreeable tone entirely unlike the savage gaze it had thrown just a minute earlier, ¡°Good guess, those were rather pleasant to have. I miss being able to write. The human frame is excellent for countless things. You really should be thankful that you possess one which is whole and in good condition, with a fine age.¡±


    I was growing impatient at the endless meandering the wandering spirit enjoyed, but kept my composure. The great bird finally said, ¡°Human flesh.¡± It looked at me with one eye before staring at the clouds galloping through sunny heaven, visible through the canopy of the trees. ¡°I miss when children had their throats slashed in my honor, once a year. I miss feasting on their delectable brains, their hearts, and stews made from the meat on their legs. I miss chewing their bones for marrow. Their meat is rare and sparse, and growing it takes a lengthy period of time, but it is tender and delectable. Those who haven¡¯t consumed it do not understand.¡± The creature launched a great sound that blurred the line between a screech and a wail, ¡° Oh, cursed be sini naqihu, wretched be the day he is named after! It is due to him and his accursed god that I am where I am.¡± It clawed angrily at the earth, as though it were tearing the flesh of a living being it despised.


    I looked at it without sympathy, not pleased by its strange and sudden breakdown. I let it continue its speech and its horrid wails for some time. I allowed it to compose itself. I¡¯d eaten human flesh back when I was a man of high breeding and noble standing during my youth in my homeland. I didn¡¯t miss it much, the texture of it never seemed appealing to me and it tasted like an inferior version of pork. Yet gods and nobles here and there always seem to delight in it. ¡°Bring me one human child,¡± it started with an entirely nonchalant tone as if it hadn¡¯t been a screeching and gibbering mess just a minute before, ¡° of your choice. Bring it to me by the end of the month and I will give you the piece of land you desire, rich with the pure slimy fungal essence of Rejonu for you to play around with.¡±


    My mouth parted into a very wide grin and I condescendly said to it, ¡°you underestimate me, my acolytes, and the power of the human form. I promise this, by the time the moon reaches the middle of the sky it is human flesh you will be feasting on, not the rabbits and rats of the fields.¡±


    It seemed to me as the spirit spoke in a tone which betrayed its excitement as it said, ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± I moved so as to leave and hastened back home to make preparations for the sacrifice. ¡°Wait for just a moment more,¡± the creature pleaded with a tone that betrayed its mockery, ¡°what do you want the piece of the dead god for? My question before was more than simply a jest. None within this duchy will believe a shade which presents itself as their ancestor. No worshipper of the Mexihuacan Ojotillas or one of Culiqaque''s scarce communities such as this one will accept it. And if someone does desire one the deluded deities you are to make, whose minds are woven as you see fit, the deal between you two will not remain secret for very long. And those who find out will be angered, as they were at Qejene. Tell me, necromancer. What do you plan?¡±


    Anger surged within my heart at once more being reminded of that horrible attempt. The way I ran into the wilderness like a wounded deer forever engrained itself into my mind. The horrible sounds of flying bolts and the thundering of an arquebus. But it was overshadowed by the lofty dream my mind nursed, and after some debating I finally said, ¡°I do not plan on imitating the human mind, I do not plan on imprinting one of their lives into the mind I will create. No, I will bring forth one of the Qese Rilu.¡± After that sentence my words grew increasingly prouder and less organized. I no longer examined them within my mind, they left it of their own accord. Cursed may I be! ¡°I will become venerated as a prophet. I will gain control of the whole village, they will kiss my feet and clean the ground on which I walk. I will be honored like a god. As one at my level of skill in this hallowed art should be.¡±


    The creature interrupted my lofty dreams and brought me down from the realm of my mind into reality with its savage laughs. ¡°Oh, necromancer, your plan is foolish beyond measure! These people will test it as their god instructed, they will see through your plot. They will spill your blood in the honor of their god and feast upon your flesh! But your foolish goals are not important to me. Your horrid death will bring me much delight. Let us simply perform the transaction. ¡±


    I kept my emotions carefully contained and moved to stand up, not forgetting to utter, ¡°I thank you for agreeing to go with this.¡± The spirit laughs as I begin walking and quickly responds, ¡°It costs me little. Just make sure to bring a comal next time." Those were the last words I heard from it as I walked down the dirt road well-heated by the light of the omnipotent sun.

 The Act

    Sanu Nepe¡¯s Journal


    I continued through the journey back to my home through the fields of flourishing crops, the vibrant and cheery corn jutting high into the sky like a hand reaching for the bright sun. I heard and waded through the great joyful celebrations prepared even at this hour, long before the moon shows its bright face alongside its countless cohorts. To them, important above all other divinities is shining Culiqaque. Of course, not everyone participated in the celebrations since a small number of the villagers from their tribes were prohibited from any sort of song or dance as fearsome punishment for ancient deeds undertaken by their ancestors. Such has always been my own excuse for not participating in these foolish people''s rowdy and disgusting congregations.


    The walls of my own dwelling were made of simple adobe, the roof thatched with straw in a miserable manner. There is not a shred of stone, baked bricks, or wood within the building''s bones or body. Of course, these people are so wretched even their precious temple only had its base made of baked bricks, the rest of flimsy engraved wood. The door of my own dwelling was nothing but an old and miserable piece of unhinged timber which a strong wind could with ease knock over. To say nothing of the sublime efforts of man. The furniture was similarly miserable, no table present and only a single wooden stool, and a basket containing our few other belongings which slowly crumbles in front of our very eyes. A single miserable window without any glass or even oiled paper. There was nothing to sleep up other than a bare piece of cloth and the hard ground which offered no sympathy to my poor, wretched back. I¡¯d grown used to enduring this misery, but I hoped to not have to endure it much longer. These fools do not understand my pain, those who have never experienced luxury can never miss it. No more than a worm can miss the firmness of bones, or a trout can miss the feeling of air tenderly filling its lungs.


    I made sure to enter bearing an air of noble dignity despite the vast amount of time I spent traversing the rocky highlands and stepping on all kinds of unpleasant objects. My acolytes sat there, the pair of young men. By their rather fresh look they had only recently arrived from when they left in the morning. Despite their relative lack of physical similarity when compared to people united by blood something within their countenance made them look like shadows of each other. We had not known about Qejonus'' death back then, but they surely found out as I had. I didn¡¯t find it a good idea to start with a wickedly sharp and sudden order, so instead I said to them with friendly intent, ¡°My dear sons, a most auspicious and blessed day is this! Why, it appears to me you two were excused from your labors under the owner of this stretch of village soil! ¡±The very instant I entered the building, and as I talked they stood up with the astounding effort of an enduring salmon.


    Despite their myriad flaws at least knew the ways of properly honoring their superior and father under the sacrosanct bonds thicker than blood. While by my judgement of their faces they appeared unsure as to my purpose, the silence was hateful and cutting to them both. Qinisiru Relino was the first one to mindlessly respond, speaking in a confident tone, ¡°Few people are working today. The only ones who do are the people selling products for other enjoyments, primarily from the lineagues forbidden from song or dance. The entire town is in a festive season.¡± He let out a small laugh with undercurrents of bitterness baked within and said, ¡°I never would have expected somebody''s death would be able to incite so much joy. This town''s traditional funerals are rather festive, but comparing them to this is like comparing a flimsy stream with the fearsome ocean.¡±


    I slowly paced around the miniature building in a skittery manner not befit of the supreme pinnacle of the human race that I was. Once the young man finished his trivial speech, I said to them in a tone which expertly concealed mockery within sadness, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m afraid for us today will not be a day of relaxation, but it will be the cause of great joy. Think, although I know deep thought is bitter to you both. Contemplate for just a moment what great things we can achieve with the corpse of the fallen and dead deity. ¡± I saw how both of their bodies tensed up during a small amount of time. Their muscles clenched like a feeble creature which knows terrible things are soon to come. All the opposite of what they should be feeling. Melo Pipo was the one to speak this time in a submissive tone interwoven with penance, ¡°Father, forgive us but we do not know of anything we can do. At least not in our current state, with our simple means and the fierce lessons instilled into us three.¡±


    I shook my head from side to side, my closely shaven hair moving like a tree''s bushy branches battling a powerfully living wind. Not wishing to toy with them, only bitter yet true words delivered through the barrier of my rotting teeth , ¡°Only foolish lies escape you two. Useless lot!. I saw sharp recollection within both of you. A bloody deal with a high price has been made by me, but a man wretched as I no price is too high. It will be sealed with help from the both of you. It will aid my plan to finally make use of our most hallowed art! I will create-¡± As the truth was entirely laid bare to both of them, they exchanged a look of great worry. Visionless wretches, both of them, incapable of properly utilizing the great gift of the human mind as I do! Relino was the one to speak once more, making sure the words jumped from his mouth in the sweetest and most verbose of all manners he knew.


    They slowly yet surely left his mouth as honey does a jar, ¡°Oh most gracious father under all beneath the will of the Omnipotent shades that created the world. We heard your words, but we did not want to accept such an unwise idea. We have seen the terrible consequences of this most hallowed art that they have wrought on us. Both the art itself and the grave difficulty in obtaining suitable materials for the creation of a good product. This town is small after all, all will notice the absence of even the meanest dog or the most wretched goblin. All here know within this world nothing is free. While both of us are certainly foolish youths, we can guess at the price the mighty spirits will demand in exchange for even a mindless shred of a dead god. ¡±


    Anger slowly built up within my being and was outwardly expressed within my face. The young man noticed this as he continued speaking and entirely shifted the course of the conversation as the words left in an even sweeter and more melodious fashion, ¡°But of course, we are young and foolish and you are a most supreme and excellent master of not only necromancy but all of the arts known to humankind. Your wisdom is most supreme and peerless. There is clearly something within your words which we failed to grasp. If you could only enlighten us we would surely realize whatever thing we misinterpreted. Your words were just as many as were necessary, but our weak and feeble minds most surely failed to grasp your supreme truth.. But please enlighten us, provide us context.¡±


    The many words and compliments which sprouted from his mouth helped to soothe the burning rage he had previously lighted within my entire being. It was still there, my fists remained clenched and my teeth grinded but it no longer controlled me. In a tone lacking either mockery or joy I said to them, ¡°I will provide you the details you hunger for like a starving dog. I entered an agreement with a wretched spirit, Huse Napasa. Does the name sound familiar, young man?¡± I didn¡¯t see any emotion portrayed for good or ill within Relinos face. It was as blank as a blue sky if it was deprived of the towering sun. His reactions were more entertaining when he was younger, still a child. He now possessed an admirable control over his emotions. Clenching my teeth, I continued, ¡°Regardless, the miserable and slimy thing agreed to provide me with something worth working with. In exchange for that it demanded little. Only a young boy for the purpose of consuming his flesh, tearing him apart and frying it into a rich meal. Something neither difficult to obtain nor unexpected.¡±


    They looked at each other, their expressions gripped by renewed fear. But more muted this time, now that they held a firmer grasp of my thoughts and motives. Fools nonetheless! It took a small amount of time, but they prepared to keep arguing. Relino spoke up first, not making any sort of reaction to my prior jest critiquing the actions he undertook without my consent. ¡°Most blessed and wise father,¡± he stated, his voice not betraying any sign of fear or anger, only an ever greater honeyed and melodious tone, ¡°forgive us, but your words do not help to soothe our worries. The last time we performed a human sacrifice without local consent of either the rulers or the ruled, within gigo rrere, we only barely escaped with our lives. And there someone from a noble class was asking for your services, if in secret from his kin. Someone who wanted one of your excellent imitations of the living.¡±


    His voice never quite left its sugary and oily tone and such qualities only increased upon seeing the anger etched within my face. Regardless of that, he did not back down and later bowing he continued with his mad spiel, ¡°We beg you to reconsider, to think this over for just a little while. If we truly must obtain some of a god''s essence to mold into whatever it is your sublime mind has planned, is there truly no easier way? Perhaps if we travel elsewhere.¡± Seeing the unbridled rage which grew ever more firmly etched into my face he dared not continue.


    I scowled at both of them with tremendous rage and with a voice angrier than a furious storm, hurling wind and winning in battle against even the most ancient trees, spoke to them, ¡°Do you think me a mindless beast, do you, is that the impression of me which you have? Have you no faith in me that I can learn and adapt from my mistakes as true humans do? Fools!¡± Relino began to speak but before he could even finish a word I said to him in a quick and cutting tone, ¡°Quiet! I don¡¯t want to hear from you, disobedient brat. I know you have been communicating with the heinous spirits of the woods despite my explicit orders. You should be glad ambition is greater than rage within my heart. Only the joyful hope of escaping this terrible situation emboldens my being. You two have lived for only fifteen years, yet you two think yourselves the wisest and grandest beings in existence. Fools, both of you, but particularly you, Relino!¡± As I calmed myself, I finally said to them in a tone in which rage merely bubbled beneath the surface, ¡°You can still ask more questions if you two deem it an utmost necessity. But before that, you two need to learn not simply to hear, but to truly listen. Do not let my words enter one ear and leave your hollow skulls through the other.¡±


    Both of them finally went silent, and let me speak as they should. Only the sound of swarming cicadas and the movement of a distant wind carrying rain clouds during this wet season could be heard. ¡°Thank you,¡± so I spoke to them in a most sincere tone. I berated both of them saying, ¡°I understand that our prior performances have proven, rather less than ideal.¡± I gazed at them both with great fury,¡±But I am human. I learn. I¡¯ve a plan to expertly deal with the possibility of discovery. A plan in which I have placed my absolute confidence. The death is to seem entirely out of human hands, instead the work of the aforementioned spirit. A spirit puppeteering a fearsome beast and tearing apart the human frame.¡± My mouth parted into a wide grin like a glacier breaking, ¡° I am sure the arrogant spirit will agree to that, the foolish creature that it is. It¡¯ll take all the credit that it can! Its arrogance will be its undoing! It will corroborate to any who come that which I have told you, leaving not the smallest seed of doubt within the hearts of these ignorant people.¡±


    Relino appeared to have resigned himself to the plan. He had realized that changing my mind was attempting to change the course of a savage river. Pipo appeared to still hold fear and arrogance within his mind. ¡°Father,¡± before he could continue on, his brother kicked him in the shin with brutal strength. He sent a savage look at the equally frustrated Relino, but his brother failed to dissuade him and so he asked me in a sweet tone despite the pain, ¡°Father, as I was saying, your plan is excellent. Could I simply ask a single question? I promise that it will be quick.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that there is still great danger within it, is obtaining more truly wealth worth the effort. I simply don¡¯t understand the point of going to such lengths, even if we manage to escape the consequences. What are we even making? Who could possibly be asking for your services in this place.¡± He appeared to embolden himself at this point even though Relino was glaring at him with a horrible and brutal gaze. With open eyes, he grew blind to the rage which appeared throughout my entire being suddenly and powerfully. ¡°We are doing far better than during the month we wandered starving through the mountains running from Gigo Rrere, lost and alone . Eventually guided by a hostile spirit. Exhaustion and hunger almost brought us down, only a sacrifice like what we are about to do allowed us to obtain the guide and reach civilization once more. You surely remember how hard it was. Is life not good, is it so bad you would want to risk our very lives? The retribution will be fatal if we come to be discovered. ¡±


    I searched my mind as a fisherman searches the dark water, and remembered that fiendish Relino hadn¡¯t allowed me to relate what I planned to create in the first place. Regardless, the general attitude of Pipo bothered me greatly and did not fail to move every fiber of my being. I struck the strong adobe wall with a clenched fist in spite of the pain. Pipo¡¯s head moved back in surprise before cutting words escaped the barrier of my teeth. ¡°You truly do not understand do you? A feeble and complacent child, that¡¯s what you are!¡± I looked towards the high heavens through the coverless window, ¡°I suppose you two were young when we first left in exile due to my hapless gamble in our homeland. Oh how I miss it!. We are of high breeding, the three of us, we are necromancers, and hail from an excellent city! It is an art higher than astrology, than woodworking, than divination, than writing. The highest of all arts! Yes, there is more to life for us than laboring for food in service to a man belonging to a religion so foolish that it proclaims the sun is a demon that ought to be destroyed.¡±


    By this point it appeared that Pipo had realized his question had the exact opposite effect than what he¡¯d originally intended. It was like a breath of wind which instead of smashing a fire into oblivion made it surge with fierce and renewed power. Before he could utter more words his brother kicked him in the exact same shin with even greater strength. He came close to the firm ground before his brother helped hoist him up, being left not even daring to whisper words . A less miserable fate than my genuine anger had he interrupted my speech empowered by high emotions. ¡°Before your brother dared to interrupt me, I was going to say I plan on creating one of the Qese Rilu. Then all of these ignorant fools will bow before me as a prophet.¡±


    Even Relino, who had only moments before appeared to showcase a blank resigned expression now found his face molded into one betraying more complex repressed hope and fear. ¡°I see the way you two look at me. And I tell you this; if you doubt something about me, never doubt my ability in the hallowed art. I will create a being so perfectly like one of the Qese Rilu even the wisest of humans, no, even one of the Qese Rilu themselves, won¡¯t be able to tell it apart.¡±


    Regardless of whether they held faith in my success or not, neither of them braved to say anything against it. Only the sound of crickets and cicadas slowly worming its way into the miserable building could be heard. I finally calmed myself enough to speak one more in a more agreeable and orderly tone. ¡°But enough about me and my hopes! I hope both of you understand now why we must do this?¡± The words, ¡°Of course,¡± instantly hopped from both of their mouths. I widely grinned at both of them. ¡°We embark on this journey once the sun sets. Under the dark blanket of night we will steal the child, and we will take him to that dark spirit. I promised it human flesh before midnight.¡± The following words left Pipos mouth, slowly and somewhat painfully, ¡°We should probably bring all the salt we have. So as to preserve the flesh not consumed by the bodies of the spirit puppeteers.¡± I smirked and mockingly said to him, ¡°I see you finally employ your scarce intelligence in worthwhile endeavors.¡± My gaze shifted towards the meager old bag of salt which we had, ¡°We¡¯ll have to do without it for a long time, but it matters little. After all, what is a little more wretchedness to ones as miserable as us?¡± Both of them merely responded with nods. I asked them in a tone which veered the line between mockery and sincerity, ¡°But now then, speak to me! We must choose which hapless child is to become our sacrifice.¡±


    Neither of them appeared entirely willing to make an assertion, rightfully guessing an incorrect guess would warrant my terrible mockery and ire. Winged words quickly flew from Pipo, always eager to obtain favor from me, ¡°We surely need to strike one of the people who live in the outskirts of the town, for much activity is gathered within the center. We should be fine if we remain far from it considering any who aren¡¯t attending will surely be asleep once the sun sets.¡± I smiled at him and said in an entirely serious tone, ¡°I thank you for stating the absolute obvious that even a baby could tell me. I did not ask you for general and unfocused advice.¡± I shook my head disappointedly and said to them, ¡°You are not yet so adept at thinking in the way I do. I¡¯ll reveal my full plan to you in that case. You have long known how much I hate the owner of the land on which we live and on which we work.¡± I clenched my teeth in great rage as words painfully left my mouth, ¡°I know that ignorant fool Qisigu has made everyone refer to me simply as ¡°the sloth¡± when speaking privately to one another. All due to my unwillingness to perform manual tasks under the searing sun. Is that not true?¡±


    I sharply scowled at both of them since words didn¡¯t immediately flow from their mouths in sharp answers. ¡°Answer me!¡± They shamefully nodded at such words and similar words left both of them, ¡°It is.¡± I refused to back down on such a point despite the barbarians ignorant critique. ¡°I do not like being shamed for keeping some dignity which anyone personally chosen by mighty shades should. No matter the myriad troubles.¡± The anger within me was lessened and I said to them in a far more cheerful way now, ¡°But I can assure you I am not the plaything of my emotions.¡± Relino responded quickly in a sweet tone, ¡°We wouldn¡¯t dare to suggest that.¡± I nodded at that, ¡°Everything lines up. The man''s boy is not of age to participate in the festivities within which blood and alcohol freely flows. He lives close to us and far away from the center of this miserable town. Taking him as the sacrificial victim will not be hard.¡± My mouth once more parted into a wide and pleased grin. ¡°By the standards of this wretched place he is of rather high class too,¡± laughter echoed from my cavernous mouth, ¡°at least what counts for it in this place. No matter, is it not common knowledge that those of even slightly noble blood are superior to those of more miserable origins not just in countenance, but in taste? ¡±


    A kind of uncharacteristic nervousness swept Relinos face, even if it left as quickly as it appeared. I grinned, delighted, and uttered the following winged words, ¡°I understand that the boy''s cousin is an acquaintance or friend of yours.¡± He merely nodded and chose not to utter anything else in response. Sadly, I wasn¡¯t capable of enjoying any more emotions flashing through him. He was too good at this. ¡°I also understand you¡¯ve met the boy, he at least knows your face.¡± He once more nodded with the slightest shred of guilt evident in his face. Pathetic, but so long as it did not interfere in his performance, it could be ignored. ¡°Good,¡± I said in a most pleasant tone in spite of the many thoughts I nursed against him, ¡°after all, are winged words not the thing that separates humanity from the myriad savage and powerful beings that walk the world? Are they not the thing we share with the spirits and gods that lift us above all other beings?¡± I laughed as I said those final words, greatly entertained by the words which would soon escape the barrier of my teeth. I kept laughing until Pipo and Relino joined me. Their laughter respectfully stopped once I spoke, as people ought to do with their superiors. ¡°Is it not right that we take advantage of speech to ensure the boy willingly goes with us?¡± I was sure that the wretched spirit would enjoy it greatly. I pulled myself out of my own head, delighting in my ingenuity, and said to them.¡°But of course, you are not lacking in physical strength if it comes down to it,¡± I asked them in a tone blurring the line between mockery and sincerity, ¡°I understand you will act with quickness and strength if need arises, if the boy sees through our words, will you not?¡± Pipo nodded to me and said in an eager tone, ¡°You can be certain of that father. We will not fail you.¡± Relino joined him in the latter sentence.


    My mouth parted into a warm and pleasant smile, ¡°Good, good. If you two perform well in this, you will have forgiveness from me and my favor as well. You can sit, or walk now. I have finished my speech, hold it within your hollow heads. Remember the time, be here an hour prior to sunset. I¡¯ll write within my journal in the meantime. I¡¯ve yet to outline the blueprints for the Qese Rilu.¡± Both of them nodded at that, and they went out to walk together for some time. I didn¡¯t follow. The rest of the day wasn''t clear to me as I strenuously wrote down the key facets of the god I would create, with whom all the town would bend to my will. It had to be perfect, not a single flaw present. The hours passed by slowly for me, eager that I was to accomplish my plan. I will admit some heinous feelings of anxiety, unfit for someone as skilled as I, nestled within my heart. It felt like they whispered heinous things at me, and brought forth memories I would much rather stay forever buried. Ah! Had I only a hundredth the power manipulating my own human mind as I did manipulating those of spirits, my life would be a lot more pleasant. The thoughts were, however, not without purpose unpleasant though they may have been. If I only thought about pleasant things I would never be able to understand and learn from my prior mistakes, a most glorious trait which humanity possesses.


    But the time to act finally came, and the sun finalized its journey across the clear heavens. My acolytes dutifully came to aid and to serve me. I relayed to them my entire conversation with Huse Napasa. I said to them with sharp judgement cutting through my throat, ¡°Have you all of the objects we are to bring with us?¡± Pipo responded first, ¡°Between the two of us we bring all of the salt, our one comal and one pot alongside the scarce metal knives which we have. My brother carries less than I so that he may do what he must. So he may ensure our mission is successful.¡± I grinned widely at both of them. The following winged words flew eagerly and energetically from my cavernous throat, ¡°Excellent! Let us go, all things are prepared. This is not an action which prolonging would make better.¡±


    We walked out of the small building in a somber mood under the sparse light of the rising moon and the setting sun, as the eager screams flew from the center of the town. Even here the wind brought the faint smell of drying blood surely created due to the sacrifices of animals to the god Culiqaque. The hateful and arrogant deity prohibited the sacrifice of humans to any deity other than himself, one of the countless restrictions it placed upon its worshippers. Of course, no deity resided within the village''s sacred groves, no divine fungus twirled within the roots like string. And so, the blood of humanity may not be spilled upon his empty throne, only the dried blood of the beasts of the field may cloak it. Only may their flesh continually fill the bellies of his festive worshippers, those allowed to participate. I would be the one to put someone within that throne, with my artificial Qese Rilu. I eagerly awaited the day of completion even now, when the creation has barely been put in place.


    We very quickly reached the dwelling place of Qisigu, a large building by this town''s miserable standards but nothing when compared to the first circle of my beautiful Rrrelero within my homeland. Oh! Child, your death wasn¡¯t in vain. Even your own town will be better once I am the one who rules over it. A trio of haughty trees clawed for the sky around the building, where thatch and adobe rested upon a bed of clay brick. The building had a total of three windows, covered by greased paper, and though it consisted of one floor it contained three separate rooms without counting the living room. We slowly walked into it, finding it devoid of life. The owner of the household was nowhere to be seen, banished like a cloud of smoke under the speedy wind. We found the child sleeping within his bed, a calm figure with his chest slowly rising and falling. The boy was well-formed with plenty of muscle and a healthy amount of fat. He wasn¡¯t a creature constantly gripped by want, like the child we sacrificed to a spirit some years before to ensure we did not perish in the pitiless mountains. That one had barely any meat on him, but with this one Huse Napasa was sure to feast. Hardly any salt would be left once we were done with it.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Relino said to us in a whispered tone, silent as the footsteps of a mouse, ¡°I¡¯ll be the one to awaken him. He knows my face at least. But wait at the door to catch him if he catches on doubtful though I may be of that happening.¡± We silently left the room without a single shred of sound, as quickly gone as a flapping bird. Outside, I left Pipo at the door and said to him, ¡°I wish to hear what Relino will say to the boy, but you stay here.¡± I did not wait to hear or see any response from him, but urgently went around the household to the room where the child slept. Or rather, outside of it. From the window I heard the conversations which occurred between the two.


    First, I heard the sound of ruffling as though the boy was being shaken awake. Relino called him by his name in a tone quiet yet firm, ¡°Miraqu leme, awake. Wake up.¡± The shaking continued for some period of time. The child awoke suddenly, like a stone dislodged from a great mountain peak. From the sound I judge that he violently stood up from the bed. His shrill and young voice sounded loudly through the air, ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± His voice was cut by what I assume was Relino placing his hand over the boy''s mouth. He whispered in a tone so believably concerned even I would have believed had I not already known him to be a lying scorpion,¡±Not so loud. I know this is rather scary, but you have to trust. A most horrible thing has occurred within this town, we must urgently leave this place. If you continue making such loud noises, they will notice us. I promise you, you don¡¯t want that.¡°


    I heard the hitched but unobstructed sound of the child''s breathing, indicating Relino was allowing his breath to freely flow and his voice as well. Before the boy could break out into yelling or crying Relino spoke in an incredibly soothing tone and said, ¡°Do you remember me? I am Relino. I know your cousin, I am his dear friend. We¡¯ve met before, I am sure of that.¡± The boy''s voice was heard again slowly leaving in a hitched tone, ¡°I remember you. My cousin trusts you. I know you won¡¯t hurt me. W-Where is my dad?¡± Relino responded in a tone portraying utmost worry as he said, ¡°¡±I haven¡¯t got even the slightest idea, but many are dead already. I¡¯ll explain as we walk, come with me. Let us leave out of the window in the living room, it is turned against the town''s center. It has been transformed into a most hateful place now. The earth has glutted itself with the blood of hapless men.¡±


    I heard the light sound of the boy shuffling his feet into a pair of shoes, and as they began to pace around the room attempting to refrain from loud noises. Before they left the building I could faintly hear Relino saying to the boy, ¡°No matter what you do, do not look towards the town. You will see only horrible and unpleasant things. You may hear merry sounds, but they are nothing but mockeries.¡± Soon enough, their voices vanished from my range of hearing as they surely left the building. Pleasantly, the young man fulfilled a decent job. I swiftly joined with Pipo and said to him in hushed whispers, ¡°You know what you must do. Be as quiet as you can. We can only hope the sounds of the town are enough to stop any of those who party or sleep from noticing your actions. Make it seem as if a savage beast climbed the haughty trees and tore apart the straw roof, taking the child with it. I will leave to guide Relino, he does not know the full path, and to speak with Huse Napasa in the determined spot.¡± The major reason that Relino had to act in such a secretive manner was to ensure the child bought up our lie which I so carefully plotted. I have to admit, at least to myself, that young man definitely has a good amount of ability in acting and in talking with people. Perhaps if the will of his ancestors had blown a different way his soul would have entered the body of some modest merchant instead. And so I left Pipo. I was faithful that he would succeed, at least in a manner good enough to fool this land''s ignorant people.


    I ran as fast as my worn legs could carry me under the gaze of the sharp moon, which traversed the endless sky alongside its cohort of stars. There are more of them splattered there than there are grains of amaranth within an entire field. To these people, it was their god, and supreme among all other deities in existence. And yet, it did nothing as I plotted to harm a member of its flock. Such thoughts entertained me as I reached Relino, who was sitting as far as I¡¯d specified while I related my conversation with Huse Napsa to them. He was relating some kind of fantastically grim tale to the boy explaining the town''s current disgraces we made up, but I heard no more than a few sentences of it. And even that has entered my well-endowed head through one ear and left through the other


    Relino noticed me and his face shifted into that of utmost bliss and relief, like a desert wanderer encountering fresh water. All an act, but a very believable one, proving to me why I chose that oily scorpion in favor of his brother for this specific task. He said to me with words that joyfully flew, ¡°Oh father! I am supremely glad you survived and that you are here!¡± He then turned to the boy and told him, ¡°Be joyful! My father, Sanu Nepe, will guide us to safety. If you trust me, trust him as well.¡± I curled my mouth into a pleasant and joyful grin and shook the boys soft hand. In the most pleasant tone I could muster I said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, little boy. We may be going through uncertain times but this I promise you I will guide you to safety, and I will treat you with as much kindness as my own children.¡± The boy, despite how shocked he was by the whole situacion attempted to stand up as straight as a wooden post. He shook my hand and said in the most formal tone he could muster through his constant fear, ¡°I will obey you sir. My father taught me to respect my elders, he raised me right I tell you.¡±


    He appeard grealy saddened at his own mention of his father. Relino put his hand on the boys shoulder and patted his head in a manner full of affection. Words as woollen as they were winged quickly flew from his mouth, ¡°Now, now, Miraque Leme. Don¡¯t worry, I am sure your father escaped. He is a cunning man, he surely escaped the slaughter. He is not the nephew of the last priest of this town without reason, but I am sure he escaped that great mans hapless fate.¡± The boy was somewhat comforted by Relinos words and said to him, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll try to follow you two.¡± I guided the two of them through the rockier parts of the journey, the more recluse and hidden parts where great stones towered alongside haughty trees. The boy appeared to become more and more tired, like a hapless deer continually pursued by a pack of ever-hungering wolves. Yet he insisted that he could continue on, never making any verbal sign of anger or displeasure. I will acquiesce to his earlier words, wretched Qisigu indeed raised him right. That proved to be rater useful for me now.


    Once we reached the correct area, I said to both Relino and the boy in a pleasant tone, ¡°Here is the place we are to wait, sit for we are in safety. Fear and worry not, but we will have to wait for some time.¡± I prepared a fire as I had earlier in the day, gathering the dry sticks and throwing sparks, fierce seeds of flame into it. Once the fire had began, I placed thick leaves into it which produced much smoke and released it into vast heaven. I did not know when Huse Napasa would arrive, nor what wretched words the creature would utter as part of its ridiculous games. So, when Relino moved close to aid me, winged words left sharply at first but more calm after a little while, ¡°No, you may rest. Watch over the boy. No one knows when danger may arrive. I¡¯ll prepare the flame, the wind shall blow the smoke away from the town.¡± The boy didn¡¯t make any great reaction about that, but did appear somewhat pleased that Relino would watch over him. His eyes darted to the endless darkness which creeped and flowed in all directions threatening to suffocate the tiny ember of flame which provided heat and light. But Relino understood everything, and gave me a somber nod before turning to pleasantly entertain the boy and soothe his worries.


    After a rather lengthy period of waiting it appeared after a while the spirit truly woudln¡¯t come until midnight. That wasn¡¯t what I had meant with my conversation with it earlier in the day, but it appeared to have made its decision clear to the other spirits of the forest, for none came even close to the smoldering fire. None came, not even to look at the human flesh which hanged on our bones. The spirits of the forest were eternally hungry for all kinds of flesh, never satisfied for very long. They were like the beasts of the field in that way. They would come, at least to look, unless something forced them to act otherwise. That kept my determination burning, knowing it would come soon enough. The boy was kept relatively entertained and pacified due to Relino constantly entertaining it by telling some meandering stories entirely unrelated to our current situation.


    When the shimmering moon reached five twelths of the journey across the sky, when the stars shone like a myriad diamonds hanging from the firmament, a resounding noise was heard from the darkness. The pushing of branches and the movement of earth brutally tore through the silence. The boy reacted with tremendous fear, hanging close to Relino and hugging him with great quickness. I suppose that was the way he treated his cousins or his father. Relino reacted to that in a friendly way, hugging the child back even though not a shred of fear was evident in is face. For my part, I did hold some hope that it was Huse Napasa finally come to finalize the transaction. I wished to be done with this whole thing as soon as possible, I was greatly bitter at having to manually keep the flame alive. That was the duty of my acolytes, but keeping the boy from running away once we confronted the spirit was more important.


    Instead, from the forest the on who walked was Pipo, seemingly physically beleaguered from the labor and the long walk. He also carried with him the great bag with the remaining supplies, which doubtlless tired him out. He looked at me with a grin and said, ¡°It is done.¡± He then turned to Relino and the boy, who had by this point somewhat calmed. The following winged words cheerfully left his mouth, ¡°Greetings! Did everything go over well? No conflicts?¡± The boy surely assumed that he meant external conflicts from the threat we had entirely invented. Relino, of course, understood entirely what he was asking, smiled and said to him in a pleasant tone, ¡°Not a shred of conflict. Why, it seems they have completely eluded them. We¡¯ve left them grasping at nothing tangible.¡± The boy struggled to remain awake due to the late hour, but he stood up to shake hands with Pipo. The young man then said to him in as calming a tone as he could muster, ¡°Miraqu Leme! I is nice to meet you.¡± The boy''s face was clearly molded in an attempt to capture seriousness even as his eyes struggled to remain open. He nodded and said in a somber tone , ¡°Same here,¡± The boy looked around before nerveously asking, as though he didn¡¯t truly desire an answer, ¡° Say, did you see or hear, anything about my dad?¡± Pipo, while not quite as good as his fellow acolyte, still expertly inserted himself into the lie. His expression captured a look of sadness and he said, ¡°Regretfully not. I can¡¯t promise you anything, but let us remain hopeful.¡± I grinned and said to him with words as relieved as they were winged, ¡°It is good to see you, my son. Come, take my place with the smoking fire.¡± I myself went to sit down to wait for some time while Pipo labored at the fire. The empty air was filled with the winged words of the tales which Relino continued to relate to calm the boy.


    As soon as the moon reached the highest point of the sky, Huse Napasa finally revealed itself. Once more, it appeared puppetering the body of one of those birds. Compared to other terrible predators which walked on two legs, it wasn¡¯t as much of a danger to humans. Rather, the deadly mind of the spirit which has intertwined itself into every aspect of the creature''s fleshy body proved horrible beyond what any beast could muster with its thousand busy machinations. A twisted shadow of that which its fellows had provided humanity with in ancient times. It¡¯s beak was open in a wide mockery of a smile, something it retained from its days as a properly worshpped deity. It imitated the sound of human laughter and then said with proud and loud words, ¡°Ah! Sanu Nepe, I see everything has been arranged. You truly did come when you claimed you would.¡± It let out some playful chuckles and then said with a mockingly humble tone, ¡°I¡¯ll admit: I underestimated you. Ah, who better to capture a human than one of its kind? Excellent job, old necromancer! Just one thing;¡± It looked at me in an entirely serious manner, its beak closed and its eyes alert. ¡°Did you bring a comal this time?¡± I bowed before the following words escaped my grinning teeth , ¡°So you finally se the greatness of the human mind and frame. And of course, my greatness above the rest of my race. To answer your question, I did in fact bring a comal this time. I learn from my mistakes.¡±


    Upon seeing the spirit speaking, the boy was put rather on edge. He, however, chose to remain hopeful, whispering the following winged words that dug straight into the young mans ears, ¡°Tell me, what is going on?¡± A flash of pain made its way across the young man''s face, only for a moment. After a very little while Relino appeared prepared to tell another lie, and Pipo appeared prepared to corroborate. The creature however, merely laughed and responded before any word could fly out of their mouths, ¡°Little boy, I am the glorious Huse Napsa. You have been deceived-beautifully I may add. You will become my meal, you will not live to see the light of day again. A fun fate, is it not?¡± It made a mocking bow, moving its head down towards the old and wet earth before rising again, and in a tone full of vitriol, ¡°But do be glad! I¡¯ve been so kind as to do it under the light of that beloved deity of yours. I wish to make sure he is able to see one of his own dying. Now, isn¡¯t that nice, isn¡¯t that saintly, of me?¡±


    The boy tried to run once the truth was so bluntly revealed, like a rabbit upon beholding a great goblin or a fierce dog. But it was far too late. Relino grappled him with great strength and agility, acted like a great fence blocking his path and drowned any chances of escape the boy may have had. He tried with all his strength, but a young man such as Relino in the prime of youth will always prove victorious in terms of physical strength when compared a measly child. He pathetically begged and cursed, ¡°Please, please. You don¡¯t have to do this!¡± His voice was full of grief and emotion, ¡°Let me go! Or you¡¯ll be damned by all the Qese Rilu! Please!¡± He broke into tears at the end, if only for a single moment. While Relino evidently was saddened by the boy''s heartfelt pleas he knew his duty as my acolyte and kept the boy from wringing himself free.¡±I¡¯m sorry,¡± is the only emotional word which left his steadfast body. With one stroke of the pitiless steel Pipo slit the childs throat.. The blood and the life left his body as it was reduced to nothing more than a coagulation of components. No longer did the breath of life empower his limbs, he slowly grew lifeless and dead as a rock. His shade left his body, never to return. The blood was gathered in our old clay plot from which the creature eagerly slurped great amounts of it, its beak submerging itself into the dark liquid.


    Huse Napsa cheerfully laughed and said to us all in a most pleased tone, ¡°This is most sublime! Most excellent! Why, my good old necromancer, you are better at witchcraft than I would have expected! Your sacrifice was exquisite, the drama was excellent. And here I thought you a miserable old man incapable of entertaining any fun games. You¡¯ve truly surprised me.¡±


    I did not enjoy being referred to as old, I was merely fourty-two, under which definition was that worthy of being refereed to as an ancient being? But regardless of that, I stood straight while the young men labored at turning the corpse into a meal. I smirked widely and uttered the following words which flew in a haughty and arrogant manner, ¡°Now, that is your own fault. The human race is a mark of the sublime power of the powerful spirits which made us and which rule over my homeland. And among them I am the very height of human excellence. You are wrong to underestimate me.¡±


    The spirits beak fell open, its version of a smile which I suppose it had often utilized back when it had puppetered the sublime human frame instead of its current scrappy bodies. It said to me in an entirely serious tone, ¡°Why yes. You are so great that here you are going through great troubles to honor me, a most wretched goddess. Why, I have neither a permanent dwelling place nor a human frame! For sure, no human is more glorious than you.¡° A fierce scowl shattered my face upon hearing those words, ¡°Oh most infuriating spirit!¡± Before more words could escape the barrier of my teeth the creature said to the young men and would have drowned any word of mine with its loud tone, ¡° Good to see you Relino! You must be Pipo, good to meet you. Excellent job with the sacrifice! You two would have been excellent clergymen in this hallowed empire, what with all your lying, had your souls been blown another way! Your performance in this was most sublime, your master''s goal would not have been fulfilled without you two.¡± The creature chuckled in a disgustingly sweet manner and said, ¡°Why, he should be thanking you two for making such an entertaining game!¡± The creature once more opened its beak in sharp mockery as it whispered slow and weak winged words to them. The wretched spirit made sure they were loud enough for me to hear, ¡°He is far too quick to anger. If he was alone, he would have most surely dragged the child kicking and screaming by the hair.¡± It shook its head, in a way which incited my vitriol, ¡°Then no tears would have been left for it to lose once it arrived here. I liked this much better! It reminds me of Sini Naqihu¡¯s terrible attack he launched against me.¡± Impossibly, I could have sworn the spirits'' terrible beak grew even more widely open.¡±It feels very good to be the one inflicting the pain.¡±


    The two nervously responded, ¡°We thank you, grand spirit.¡± They had successfully skinned the boy and were gouging out pieces of flesh to be cooked. They did quite well considering only sparse moonlight filtered down without being blocked either by the clouds or by the great and bushy trees. There was something of a grim countenance draped upon them, but it thankfully didn¡¯t interrupt their necessary duties to perform for me. Before long the creature would surely fill up the entire region with long poetry abouts the great tragedies of its life which I cared nothing about. I said in glorious and aggressive winged words to the disgusting and slimy spirit, standing up straight and dignified like a great mountain, ¡°Before you enlighten us with great words of your own glory, I¡¯ve plans to discuss it with you.¡±


    The creature''s countenance turned bitter and still for just a sliver of an instant due to my sharp interruption, but it quickly moved back to its familiar and eerie cheerfulness. ¡°Of course! I assume this is something about how we are to deal with the sharp anger of the town upon noticing a dead child,¡± It led out a few deep chuckles, ¡°there is nothing quite like the rage expressed by a grand group of humans is there?¡± I grinned victoriously, the moonlight glittering off my many teeth. I said to the creature in a steady and proud tone, ¡°Yes, but my most glorious mind has procured a foolproof solution for the issue. It would have been far easier back home, when vampires stalked every corner of the night and glutted themselves with the blood of innumerable youths. But there aren¡¯t many of them here are there?¡± No winged words flew up in response to my rhetorical question, and I said between chuckles, ¡°How could there be, with this atrocious heat?¡± Chuckles from both the spirit and my acolytes joined my own before I turned to it with a more serious countenance and uttered the following words as winged as they were serious, ¡°Listen closely, wretched spirit. Pipo has destroyed a portion of the roof in the boy''s home to shift blame to a savage beast. We should leave the bones scattered underneath a tree.¡± I stood up and with a tiny knife managed to expertly carve twin holes into the skull which was still caked with small amounts of blood, and laughed delighted by my own devious plot, ¡°Who could possibly see through this most ingenious plot?¡± The spirit only nodded in response, appearing to have more interest in the cooking pieces of flesh than in my sublime words. The wretched fool.


    I pointed to the creature as I grinned widely, even though the creature was more focused on the shreds of human flesh slowly cooking on a comal. They were being turned like well-made tortillas by Pipo while Relino salted some pieces of flesh and placed the jerky on long sticks. The smell proved greatly attractive to the wandering spirit. Still, I continued on, ¡°All that I require you do is corroborate to whoever searches for the boy that a great cat devoured the boy''s flesh. Explain any inconsistencies with the fact you were aiding the great cat beast, or that you were possessing the great beast''s body yourself.¡±


    The creature consumed the first piece of flesh which Pipo threw at it. It caught and devoured it in the middle of the clear air, as a dog or a goblin does. I could scarcely believe the noble origins it claimed to have. Before responding to me it said to Pipo and Relino with words that flew in a gentle and thankful manner, ¡°It would have tasted far better with oil, but human flesh is always a welcome meal. Ah, I don¡¯t know what is the last time I have devoured it fresh. I¡¯ve only been able to dig up traces of rotting cadavers until now, already claimed by wriggling worms. I thank you lot greatly.¡± My teeth grew clenched in anger at being ignored in such a manner, my face contorted in tremendous images of rage. The creature imitated the sound of a human snort once it looked at me as I painfully uttered winged words through clenched teeth, ¡°Yes, yes. You are never satisfied are you? But what does that matter, provide an answer to my former question wretched spirit!¡±


    The creature stood up straight, as tall as the frame it puppeteered would allow. It wasn¡¯t in any way threatening but it did allow the creature to capture some of its former glory. Like a hermit crab shamefully moving with the shell of a long-deceased noble mollusk. ¡°I will,¡± the winged words left it calmly and smoothly, ¡°Answer you whenever I wish. Cool your fiery rage, old man, it will do you no good. You hasten your death with this, one way or another.¡±


    Its words only made me rage further, the way it spoke to me as if I were its foolish child in need of discipline. But regardless of my feelings, I let it continue its inane speech. The words which escaped the barrier of its beak and flew into my ears afterwards possessed a far more cheerful tone, ¡°But why get hung up on small things such as that, my dear friend! I agree with your proposal, and it is very funny that I was planning something quite similar.¡± The bird spread out its ornamental wing feathers. The species the spirit was puppeteering wasn¡¯t capable of flight, but the gesture made it seem ever larger. ¡°This is just the beginning of a set of horrible plots I will make. For too long I have been occupied battling just for survival, but I finally have enough power and courage-¡± The creature chewed some other pieces of flesh which Pipo threw at it before continuing the flow of winged words, ¡°and with you three at my call I am certain to make these fools finally see the error in their way. Already they are alone, but I will cause them so much pain they will accept me as their rightful goddess once more and they shall serve me through life and through death.¡±


    I grinned widely as the spirit''s speech was halted while it consumed another batch of rich human flesh. I said to it in a tone simply oozing arrogance as the boy''s wounds had oozed blood, ¡°Well, well, so you reveal your true ambitions do you?¡± The creature looked at me, let fly some chuckles and spoke in a submissive tone which did not fit its prior lofty words even slightly, ¡°Do not think I will act against you. I know that without any action of mine the people will cast you out and expose the deity you will create as a sham. Only then will I act. For as long as you are here I will be loyal to you.¡± I still looked at it distrustfully, but no longer ragefully. I never expected loyalty from the creature, I know the spirits have their own vain and meaningless goals which they hope to carry out. Winged words soon left me measured and calm, ¡°Well, My only desire is for you to show me the place with the essence of the fallen god soon enough. I only wish to ask you this; what will you do if I succeed in fooling this group of ignorant people.¡±


    The creature took a moment to respond as it was occupied devouring a good amount more of the human flesh, greedily and messily devouring them as a toddler with food it likes. Cheerful and certain winged words reached me near instantly once it finished, ¡°That will not occur.¡± I impatiently gritted my teeth and said to the annoying game-maker, ¡°But let us say that it did, aye?¡± The creature looked at me with utterly ruthless eyes for only an instant before it opened its beak in a semblance of a smile as a torrent of pleasant words flew in a sweet and melodious manner. ¡°Why, I would of course stand down my dear friend. Did you not provide me with human flesh? Relino will tell just how long I have hungered for it.¡±


    All four of us stood there in silence for some time after that, although Pipo and Relino eventually broke through it with meaningless chatter between the two of them. The creature devoured the last of the human flesh, at least that which had not been left aside for the purpose of salting. By the time only the bones remained, the moon had finished three quarters of its journey across the sky. Only the deadly and horrible color of white shone, that thing which the dreadful snows that tear through crops possess. White, the absence of life where once it lay. A good amount of the bones remained connected together due to ligaments, the great and flexible sinew which the gods had imbued into the human race.


    Relino was the first to speak with a tone that had by now entirely and completely calmed, as oily and melodious as ever, ¡°I think it is time to go back into our homes. The moon continues its journey, and we need to arrange the bones.¡± The creature nodded at us, its feathers being ruffled by the cool winds which joyfully danced around us under the brilliant moon. It opened its beak in the semblance of a smile and told us, ¡°Yes, yes. You were very kind to me and I look forward to other interactions between us all. Stay safe, don¡¯t die.¡± All three of us bowed before the spirit while Relino said to it with winged and melodious words, ¡°Most sublime being, we are honored that you would agree to aid our supreme and blessed father. We will pray for your continued well being to the mighty shades of our ancestors, and the ancestors of all human kind.¡± Pipo joined him in his speech. For my part while I had bowed, words flew from me with great bluntness, ¡°I will meet with you soon enough so that you truly take me where you promised. Do not forget.¡±


    The two of them appeared somewhat stressed due to the way I kept approaching the spirit, but it merely laughed as we walked away from the place. While we left the flesh with it, we took the bones. The many with the holes and scratches I made in imitation of the acts of one of the savage beasts of the field. We placed them some ways away from the town from the top of a tree. We shook some bones but kept the rest tightly attached, as a fresh corpse, even one stripped of flesh, should. The music and smells could still be heard in the center of the town which most of them attended. Everyone who wasn''t attending the celebration slept peacefully, and there was no sign that any of them noticed that anything was off in any way. Oh, the fools! Bless my brilliant mind! Writing this the next morning, I can confidently say it appears the plan has been a rotund success. Soon, I will work on the creation of the deity I have planned.

 Grand Feast

    Chapter from The Chronicles of Kujumancali, written by the apostles from Qinirelegu. The text was composed largely from the account of the apostle Qisigu years after the fact and edited by the others corroborated with correspondence from his relatives.


    ¡­


    The memory of Qisigu remains deeply ingrained with the night of Qejonu¡¯s destruction. None within our isolated town could have predicted the wretched deities'' final destruction by the hand of its own blood. No Culiqaquist grieved the destruction of the hideous and hateful demon, instead pleased at how justice was deliciously squared. The town square was a bustling place, filled to the absolute brim with activity of people walking and making preparations. As busy and filled with life was it as the colonies of the ever-laboring dutiful ants. From the haughty church''s chimney great smoke erupted. Qisigu made his way into the town''s square later than most, the cobbled stone ground being filled with people and animals, those fated for sacrifice. He left his own sacrifice to fetch later in a sturdy stable.. In activity it exceeded that of the weekly Tianguis even before the hateful sun retreated her heinous face from the sight of blessed human kind. Only then could the festivities truly begin


    Nahili Sugihu quickly walked over to him with winged and jolly words, ¡°Cousin! Come over here, don¡¯t be so serious! It is time for great joy.¡± His face was already somewhat flushed due to the alcohol which he had evidently consumed. Though that was hardly out of the ordinary for him. ¡°Why, we thought you would never come!¡± Qisigu let fly some chuckles and hugged the man, greeting him as family does. ¡°I apologize Sugihu. I had some duties to perform. Some which I think are important.¡± Qaqere Juja arrived soon after and shook his head and chuckled good-heartedly before winged words left him, ¡°Brother, they couldn¡¯t possibly have been of great importance. You always prepare for too many things. Is this not a day of joy and relaxation, feast and be merry! We finished our own duties hours before.¡±


    Qisigu shook his head and soon spoke to the two of them, primarily to his brother, with words that flew in an apologetic manner, ¡°Aye, I apologize. I finished some work I hadn¡¯t previously had the time to do and then I got lost deciphering the astrological tables. I ended up not coming at the time which we agreed to in the morning.¡± Juja was the first to laugh saying, ¡°I left many of my duties to my children, they¡¯re old enough to handle responsibilities now. I¡¯ll look over their work in a little while, and correct any mistakes they made. That¡¯s the good part of my progeny being older, a counterbalance to their greater insolence.¡± Sugihu laughed at the final part of Qisigu¡¯s winged words and said to him, ¡°Why, my cousin, you revise them too many times. Their meaning is clearly laid out, we worked on them together.¡± Qisigu simply answered in a somewhat defensive melody of winged words, ¡°I understand that Sugihu. I just thought there may have been some things to decipher with the death of Qejonu, but there weren¡¯t things that I could make out. Only vague information about the coming change and turmoil.¡± Sugihu nodded and answered with words that flew in a slow manner, ¡°Nothing different from what we previously agreed upon then.¡± Juja grinned widely at both of them and said to them in words that joyfully flew, ¡°Well, with the destruction of the great demon it seems that great things are soon to come! Horrible turmoil for the infidels and great joy for us!¡±


    Both of them nodded their heads approvingly and laughed merrily. Their laughter was halted when a vendor came with cheerful words, a foreign arrival of a few years prior. From one of the unclean bloodlines due to the deeds of his distant ancestors. He was a young man, no longer a foolish youth but he hadn¡¯t quite left the prime of youth and vigor, ¡°Ah, glorious men! All the three male heads of the family eh? A most glorious sign from the good Lord.¡± The three of them nodded, Sugihu saying, ¡°Indeed my friend, what gift greater than continued health and life can the Lord of the Cosmos grant to his humble followers.¡± The vendor smiled and nodded in a good nature and said, ¡°Precisely so! I thank the great lord that out of the four sons I had, three of them have survived their perilous first five years!¡± The three of them nodded alongside him bitterly and sweetly at the same time. Qisigu nodded with calm winged words leaving him his eyes glazed over in the remembrance of events, ¡°Aye, I¡¯m quite thankful for my son. I¡¯ve got only a single child, my wife died long before your lot came to this town seeking refuge. Perhaps with Qejonus death our neighbors will finally know peace.¡± Qisigu looked up towards the still bright sky of the aging afternoon sun, as clouds galloped in high heaven, and spoke with more proud and certain words, ¡°But no matter, no death is in vain. All feed the cohort of the celestial Qese Rilu who follow eternal Culiqaque. Ah, humans are silly beings. What has caused more sadness for us than death, when death is what will buy a better world for the children of our children?¡±


    Sugihu broke out into a sudden laugh and said with winged and obscenely cheerful words, ¡°But no more dwelling on such glorious yet dark thoughts! Today we celebrate the destruction of a wretched being, a bulwark that our grand Lord broke as he will do all things wretched and dire!¡± All the four present nodded with the vendor saying, ¡°What is more cheerful than alcohol, blessed in its myriad forms! Here I¡¯ve got sweet pulque, of a good quality. I bought the batch of plants when I first came to dwell in this town, nothing more than a sapling were they then. ¡°He laughed and said to them, ¡°I debated using them,but as my wife said to me,¡± what better time exists than today to celebrate with the bleeding plants¡±?¡± Qisigu nodded and gave a bottle gourd he had on him to the honorable man, ¡°Aye, give me some of the good stuff my friend. Sweet pulque has always been my favorite. Blessed be the Maguey.¡± The vendor smiled and with astounding quickness the empty gourd was now flowing in the milky liquid. In exchange half a dozen cigars of good tobacco found their way into the vendor''s hands. The man then turned to the two others present whose glory and nobility clearly shone, the fat hanging upon their bones a great emblem of their prosperity. Juja agreed immediately and bought some as well, but Sugihu said to the man, ¡°Ah, my friend, I¡¯ve drunk plenty of beer already. I¡¯ve got to save some space for the heavy and sacred liquor once the sun sets, haven''t I?¡± The vendor however gave him a lopsided smile with devious words flying from his mouth, ¡°Aye, but isn¡¯t it said that the human intestines have their parts separated in two so as to digest the sweet and the bitter separately? I believe the Great Saint proclaimed it so himself. Come on my friend, I am sure you can fit some space in those innards of yours!.¡± Sugihu looked to his relatives and nodded solemnly, as a kind of apology to them. Winged words flew from him in a defeated manner, only somewhat serious, ¡°I can¡¯t possibly refuse when you say it like that. Give me some of that glorious liquid.¡±


    Soon enough, the three men were drinking the pale Pulque from their respective bottle gourds. Not one to leave an argument unfinished, Sugihu said to his cousin, ¡°What were you going on about, what with the movement of the heavenly children of the Supreme Father? I know you, surely that was not all you had to say¡± Qisigu said to him with words that eagerly flew, ¡°I was simply saying that I believe we misinterpreted the movements of the stars and did not account for sufficient factors. It was vague, but I think I was correct. I once more read the sacred texts, at least skimmed over them.¡± Qisigu was interrupted by his brother Juja who said, ¡°Please, what else have you to unseal from the sparse summaries and notes from old Naqihu we¡¯ve got left after all the purges? I assure you there is not one more word you¡¯ve left to unseal.¡± Qisigu rolled his eyes as the two of them laughed and with good-natured words flying peacefully but sternly from him, ¡°That may be so. but I¡¯ve been receiving some rather auspicious dreams, as has my son. And regardless I¡¯ve observed other omens in the beasts of the field, the bugs that crawl upon the black earth, and the birds of high heaven.¡± He clenched his teeth in great anger, ¡°Cursed may Rilu Jiguhi be! Cursed be Qejonu! Perhaps if the texts were whole, I would be able to know more. ¡± He looked at both of his relatives and let fly words with utter emotion imbued in them, ¡°But I do know this! The woe and change which is to come will be great. And I can¡¯t be certain that it will end up falling in its entirety upon the infidels. I can only hope and pray that this joy is not the last we will experience. I simply can¡¯t be sure. I am entirely incapable of soothing my psyche.¡±


    Sugihu shook his long hair with words as mocking as they were winged escaping the barrier of his teeth, ¡°Dreams, wild fauna! Cousin, you ought not to put much value into them. The night sky is only flown by the almighty one and his kin. They reveal the truth, but only in the vaguest manner. You know how many demons prowl the land, more ever since Gajohu jumped back into fighting Jiguhi. Do you remember what I said to you about my son?¡± As they walked around the square Qisigu responded, ¡°I know, he and others have been harassed by demons in their hunting trips. That is part of the reason I give credence to the possibility of woe befalling our people. ¡± He sighed yet spoke again in a more cheerful manner, ¡°It¡¯s all so unclear. Yet I hope Qejonus death is a mark of coming blessings.¡± Sugihu nodded but said, ¡°Aye, but they¡¯re nothing to worry about. Demons really are pathetic little things, without support from those foolish infidels they¡¯ve bamboozled they really can do nothing.¡± Juja for his own part shook his brother''s shoulders and said to him with firm and friendly words, ¡°Stand up proud and joyful my good brother! When did the stars not predict damage? Every month, they predict woe and some young human or animal is stripped of life by some terrible illness. Yet life goes on in a pleasant and beautiful manner. Be joyful and be merry, or do they speak to you in words as they do prophets? What point is there in gnawing at our clothes and tearing our hair for things which remain in the balance, outside our knowledge and control?¡± He nodded to the two of them and said with absolute pride, ¡°At the very least, I choose to place all this in the hands of the good Lord.¡±


    Qisigu nodded and spoke in words that flew joyfully, ¡°You¡¯re correct. Ah, but I didn¡¯t spend the entire time worrying about Omens. Of course, after having woken up nice and late.¡± The man veering between the young and middle age took out a couple of pieces of worn paper and said, ¡°I wrote and studied some speeches to tell the people once the animals are stripped of life in the dark night.¡± Sugihu chuckled and uttered words which flew in imitation, ¡°You take the most out of our departed uncle, eh? Always writing, always worrying, always preparing. Always laboring in physical and mental tasks.¡± That got some good chuckles out of all of them. Juja blew to them words with great longing, ¡°Ah, if only my son had the same attention to studying letters as to physical labors! Why, he can remain focused for hours doing the most mundane riding or sawing or something of the like but try to get him to write or read anything. You might as well try to make a pig lay an egg!¡±


    Qisigu was rather pleased that he had successfully steered the conversation away from the prior topics. He chuckled at that yet reprimanding words flew from him, ¡°Now, you¡¯re being too harsh on him. He wasn¡¯t a delight to teach, I¡¯ll admit. Especially not when I¡¯ve only read a hundred pages of a dead Saints writing as my whole education. But we did get him to write, didn¡¯t we? The lot of us together.¡± Sugihu corroborated and said, ¡°Aye, I¡¯ve seen him write a few times. His handwriting is neat enough. But say, where¡¯s your son? He was with us just a moment before Qisigu arrived.¡± Juja looked around as uncertain winged words left him, ¡°I think I last spotted him somewhere near the other side of the square, passing St. Naqihu¡¯s tree. Oh well, he¡¯s a good young man. Naive as youths are of course, but so are all who¡¯ve only lived for fifteen years. So were we. He can fend for himself against most things. I disciplined him properly back when he was younger and more malleable. Sublime is the human mind!¡±


    We enjoyed ourselves walking and talking with ourselves and others for some more hours, time flying by quicker than can be seen with ease. Truly, the human mind''s perception of the ethereal substance is entirely malleable shifting and stretching with ease depending on the action performed. Qisigu soon commented to the lot of them with words that flew in a surprised manner, ¡°Would you look at our sacrosanct Lord! Why, his vibrant face is begging to show over the horizon. We ought to prepare ourselves.¡± Calmed words blew from Juja, ¡°Don¡¯t worry brother. The instruments were taken from the Temple in the morning, and we¡¯ve still got a little over an hour before that wretched and bright demon fully removes its horridly vibrant face from our view.¡± Sugihu still uttered, ¡°He does have a point, we ought to make sure everything is in order.¡± It was agreed without much struggle or even talk that Sugihu would make sure the instruments were in order, Juja would make sure the liquors and blades were readied, and that Qisigu would inspect the animals ready for sacrifice. As had been done multiple times in prior celebrations.


    Finding the animals fit for sacrifice was not hard, many were gathered and bound around the square like an upsized version of the weekly marketplace. Much to his pleasure, none of horrible quality were found . Qisigu went near the great tree of St. Sini Naqihu, a blessed man and powerful prophet. Great man, he gathered a thousand souls to serve the good Lord. Qisigu then took out the horn of a fearsome ox, whose life ended some years prior by the pitiless steel, . From his lungs the powerful wind galloped forcefully through the firm surface of the lifeless fraction of the corpse. The sound resonated through the place, which since he arrived seemed to resemble an anthill even more closely. People prepared to leave and more people came through into the town, yet their footsteps and voices sunk to silence as the great sound galloped in their ears. Once a moment of silence was achieved the man let out words which powerfully galloped, ¡°My dear friends! The dreadful demon will remove its wretched face from our view. Any, from bloodlines of any degree of purity, come! Leave your great offers for our benevolent lord! ¡±


    Soon, people came to bring the first batches of offerings. People arrived from varying degrees of purity, different levels of being tainted by wretched sin, and presented themselves to bring their first offerings. Even if only those of the sufficiently pure and blameless bloodline would get to feast upon the abundant flesh of creatures offered to the good lord. The creatures less noble both in stature and in temperament were set to be offered. Brought there were pigs, fattened with both human bodily excrement, leftover meals, and wild forage. Brought were domestic goblins and dogs, too old for the climbing of trees and the hunting of beasts and pests. Brought were chickens and turkeys still alive, small creatures which peck at flora and fauna alike.


    Soon, those offerings were complete as volunteers helped maintain the creatures calm before their inevitable slaughter. They would be safe for now, for it would not be good if wretched Kabam were to smell and observe them as the life and blood left them. Next were brought the things which did not bleed, which wouldn¡¯t lose their sacred blood when facing the Pitiless steel. Small fish were brought dry and salted, long having been taken from the streams and rivers they prowled in while alive. Crickets and other small insects were brought out after having been starved and then dried and salted as well. Good tostadas and other meals made with fried corn were brought alongside crude statues made from amaranth and honey, kneaded by women and children with much care. Tamales were brought forward, each made in the homes of those who offered and filled with either beans or fresh corn. All contained spicy and strong peppers, but some were naturally sweet, while others had been doused in lemon and salt. As the offerings were finally placed those of bloodlines lacking in sufficient purity soon left to their own dwelling places, before wretched Kabam fully removed her hateful face from the blessed sky. Before the blessed father showed his kind face to watch his children honor him.


    The last offerings were brought close to the still-unused fire pit as innards of the sanctified church were laid bare for all to see through its gaping main door instead of the back entrances. It was laid bare for everyone to enter once they found themselves deep in the sanctified festivities. Heavy liquor such as distilled Rum and Tequila were brought. They were few in number when compared to the vast oceans of native alcohol like Tejuino and Pulque, but they stood out like a vibrant flower in the middle of the dry season. Instruments soon were taken out as well, to incite the jealousy of the hateful sun. The unused musical instruments ranging from ceramic ocarinas, flutes of hard reed, drums made from many-layered hides of ox and deer alike, and graceful lyres. None of them were to be used in the presence of the hateful Sun, she was not to be graced with instruments which had been made within the sanctified building. Their sweet music was reserved only for blessed and magnificent humankind, and the supreme father of gods and men.


    Before the sun began Qisigu walked upon the vast wooden stage that could be seen as one of the great hallmarks of the town center, the place worn out by thousands of steps of avid dancers, alongside the haughty church and the richly elegant tree of St. Sini Naqihu. The tree with all its grandeur and offerings clearly shone out above all others things, seeming like the town''s firm root. The one to speak was Qisigu who said to them all in winged and arrogant words after having blown the fearsome horn, ¡±Oh, most exalted children and precious creations of the Lord! See how Hateful Kabam disappears out of our sight. Cursed may she be, death befall all her horrible children! Wretched deceivers of humankind! Joyful is the death of Qejonu, may all of his demonic race join him and the Infidels who refuse to open their eyes find wretched destruction by the hands of the Lord of all things! ¡±


    A resounding thunder of clapping and loud yells of victory were heard among those present. From the door of the sacred church there came a procession of only a few young women, volunteers, carrying torches of sacred fire from the eternal flame hosted within the ever-smoking church''s chimney. Soon, a great smoking fire was set alight in the center of the bountiful town. Like an opposite of the St Sini Naqihu tree, one destroying dead wood with quickness while another blossomed with the firm living matter. As the hateful sun fully disappeared its light was eclipsed and extinguished by the fire which shone as an earthly counterpart to Culiqaque, he who dutifully burns in heaven, good father of gods and men. Soon, the menagerie of creatures were forcefully dragged forth near the flaming fire. Music began to play with all the myriad instruments as they matched in an endless circle around the fire with their blaring instruments. The music was joyful, but not as loud as it would grow later through the night. The music had to match the Lord of the Cosmos journey. Still, it rose to do battle against the resounding crickets and cicadas who still furiously flared.


    The three heads, Juja, Sugihu and Qisigu stood in front of the dancing flames as joyful winds curled and galloped around them. The organizer of joyful instruments Sugihu said to all of them, ¡°Bring forth all your sacrifices; they shall be cut down for the great Lord.¡± Juja spoke soon thereafter with words that melancholically flew, ¡°It is not a true communion, none of sufficient authority are present to make it so, but Culiqaque sees everything from high heaven. He knows our plight, and he understands perfectly well.¡± Volunteers soon rose up to aid, all from the clean and pure bloodlines. The creatures were guided even nearer to the fire which burned and danced like a thousand forking tongues, full of life and eager to devour both wood and flesh alike.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Prayers were uttered and the three of them began to slit the throats of the large animals such as the lean goblins, the dogs with their sagging skin, and the pigs with a great deal of fat which hung from their wide bones. The lazy birds soon followed, stripped of their small heads. The ones to slit their throats were the three great heads with the pitiless steel. The lifeless corpses were then dragged by strong young men who went on to butcher the rest of the animal, removing it of its blood and of its intestines. The blood was left to drain on great buckets. The fowl''s blood wasn¡¯t allowed to clot, for they had not served in life. But the dutiful dog and goblins'' blood was finally allowed to rest, a short nap before their spirits were locked in eternal service to the Lord of the Cosmos. Without their blood, their wit and vitality felt them. The breath of life left them and ascended to high heaven.


    The flesh was cut into parts, gouged from the animals bodies and taken over to the forking flames at the central sacred flame. Some were placed in pots with liquid and left to stew in their own liquids, some were hung in pieces over the flame, some were roasted above clay comales with rich oil, tallow, or butter. The intestines were treated into wonderful sausages. No part of the animals were lacking; huge hearts of pigs, the gizzards of lively birds. The hides of the great creatures were removed. Those of pigs were fried in order to make delectable chicharron, while those of dogs were put aside for future use. The fowl were stripped of their feathers before their delectable flesh could be consumed.


    As the heavy liquors were opened Juja proclaimed joyfully, ¡°Let the festivities begin!¡± None drank the pure liquid, rather volunteers mixed it with other drinks such as Tejuino, that sweet drink of corn not allowed to gather alcohol. Those who made larger offerings drank more without attracting judgement from their ever watchful peers. The pleasing music flew into wide heaven as the beasts and birds corpses were stripped of their flesh. The naked bones were slowly being revealed without any hide,muscle, or sinew. A great many agile dancers gathered upon the wooden platform where Qisigu had first made his announcements.The wood creaked from the resounding thunderous footsteps from young men and women, those whose knees had not yet been ground down by the unstoppable strength of time. Their feet went down with tremendous strength. Arranged in beautiful patterns alongside the force as if wishing to destroy the botanical corpses long stripped of life by Pitiless steel. Arranged in an unnatural pattern.


    This went through many cycles as the night air was filled with the resounding footsteps of dancers, the sound of the fiercely crackling flames with their thousand forked tongues and smoking breath, as well the winged melodies of the musicians who marched in circles. Those of great skill in the arts were joined by those of little, the ambiance was lively and joyous as the shadows danced and wriggled under the fierce light of the flame. The father of gods and men looked upon them with his bright and round face, pleased by his sublime people engaged in rituals to honor his absolute power and righteousness. The blood of all the creatures had been placed within buckets and was all gathered in great barrels, much use would be provided in the ceremonies which were to be conducted later, once Kabam reared her horrible face. The other shambling hoofed beasts set to be sacrificed later in the bright night stood in stables far from the center, but were not allowed to participate in the festivities for such was the lot of man alone. It is to them that the Lord of the Cosmos originally awarded sovereignty, not to the Qese Rilu, not to the beasts of the field, and most certainly not to the wretched demons, dishonorable weavers of words.


    Talk was almost impossible under the loud noises of human origin which outpaced and defeated the sounds of the other creations of the Lord, the cicadas and crickets which could be found on every blade of grass, the bats which chirped overhead, and the winds that joined the dancers and stirred the mighty and bright forking tongues to life. It was a most pleasant and joyful time, surely many desired that it never end. Qisigu did so at least. But Culiqaque continued his journey flying across the heavenly sky with his endless cohort of shining children. The being who was neither flesh nor spirit soon finalized five twelfths of its flaming journey. Qisigu once more blew from an oxens horn, a signal for the music to temporarily end. The instruments had changed hands many times, but something had always played since Kabam had first retreated her horrible face from view.


    Only the sound of the wild things and the crackling tongues of scarlet flame filled the air. No sound of human origin crawled through the sky. Qisigu said to them, ¡°My dear friends! Look up to high heaven, soon will Culiqaque reach the height of his journey!¡± Great clamors of applause and yells of victory resounded from the people, ¡°It is time for the offering of the grandest sacrifices, for this dance to reach a turning point! Come ahead and bring your grandest yearlings, your noble lambs, your powerful oxen! Bring too the bloodied cross that slaughtered my uncle, our last glorious father in matters of flesh and spirit.¡± Qisigu saw some glances from Sugihu and continued on with further words laced with emotions, ¡°May it know that our loyalty to the good Lord is eternal; that despite its maker''s wishes we still honor Culiqaque. Let it truly realize that its god is dead.¡± Qisigu himself stepped down from the wooden platform and guided a yearling horse to the fiery flames. It was less agitated now that the resounding sounds were over, the creature not knowing what a fate it was to face. He did not begin until the decaying cross, still caked in ancient blood, was brought out. ¡°Do not let it stand proudly,¡± he said with words full of mirth, ¡°Make it bow before St. Sini Naqihu¡¯s tree. Make the soul of the tree that remains attached to those wretched and bloodied planks eat grainy dust.¡± And so it was done, Jujas son knocked the planks of wood down, although not before whispering some words to it which I did not hear. ¡°Made it taste the grainy dust on the cobbled stones!¡±


    A great torrent of winged claps galloped from the eager crowd of the townspeople. The horse was somewhat agitated by the torrent of loud and sudden noises. Qisigu quietly patted the legs and belly of the mute creature, that depended more on tone than on words, and whispered, ¡°Soon, your legs will be stern into a Pozole, your tongue cut up into tacos, and your intestines woven into fat sausages.¡± The mute creature understood none of the words spoken, but was calmed by the reassuring mood of the galloping winds. Qisigu patted the animal with his hands as winged words escaped him triumphant to be heard by the vibrant crowd, ¡°It is a good horse, healthy and strong of spirit. A great life of service on the fields is ahead of it! However, that is not the fate that awaits it. To show gratitude to our great Lord, we will give this spirit in full health to feed his hard-working children. It will serve them instead. In a direct fashion.¡± The creature''s throat was slit with great quickness, the blood and the life leaving it relatively quickly compared to the brutal forms of sacrifice performed by the heinous demons, the spawn of wretched Kabam. Beasts who gather pain and suffering as they were designed by the wretched sun. Once the deed was done he lifted the bloodied knife and proudly proclaimed, ¡°May this sacred fire prepare the horse''s spirit for service to the grand Lord of the Cosmos!¡± The men set themselves to laboring with their old knives to strip the horse of its hide and of its gut, to prepare it for consumption and its ascent to wide heaven. Its dark blood was not allowed to rest and clot.


    The next to come was the great Sugihu, who carried his glorious body forward with great strength. He was the healthiest of the three, as evident by the glorious fat hanging from his bones, a mark of never having known hunger, need, or want. He brought with him three different lambs, one his and the two from other people, colorful and blessed grains of corn being spread out in front of them. The tree lambs were simultaneously let free from their bonds. Attracted by the corn whose grains it only rarely got to consume, Sugius lamb stepped forward without a shred of thought passing through its brain. It devoured the corn greedily, making its choice. The man bowed before the lamb with serious winged words leaving him, ¡°You¡¯ve felt the call of the lord, your death will not be in vain. It is the good Lord you will now serve.¡± The animal''s throat was slit, the life leaving the creature. Such a sacrifice was repeated three more times, soon three lambs joining its place in the joyful and lively fire which invoked eternal change within the creature''s flesh. Many others left, to remain encased in flesh and serve Culiqaques mortal children, rather than the divine. Sugihu retreated once his duties were done. Crafty Qisigu than said, ¡°Blessed may the Lord be, that he has given us so many lambs to sacrifice. Victorious be he, and just as these lambs encountered their end due to their choice, may the Mexihuacan leaders encounter death at the hands of the Lord of the Cosmos! Through their deaths they shall serve, even if their spirits will be destroyed by the horrid demons. They will do what they did not do in life.¡± Once more, clamorous hoots of victory were heard and claps thundered through the smoky air alongside the dancing and galloping winds.


    -


    Soon, Juja came guiding with him a great Ox. It walked slowly, weighed down by age, its head bare of horns. It had lost them long before, at the same time it lost its loins. He was aided by his oldest son and his oldest daughter, who had both danced on the wooden platform and played the flute and the ocarina. Juja loudly let winged words fly to the crowd, ¡°I will be the first to sacrifice this great Ox. Oh! It is a great creature, and for long it has served me. Now, may it encounter reward and more restful duties in the hands of the Lord that breathed life into its ancestors.¡± The ox lost its life, the creature crumpling beneath the pitiless steel. Its blood was allowed rest, after vast amounts of time spent in service to humankind. People began to bring salt from the church to use with whatever flesh remained after the feasts were over.


    The moon reached its highest point in the starry heavens. Qisigu said to all present with joyful winged words, ¡°let the festivities continue! Our Father is watching us, let us provide him joyful song and vibrant dance!¡± Soon, the lively party continued. People were always employed in the creation of joyful music. The alcohol flowed freely, heavy liquors diluted with cheap corn drinks not allowed to ferment for long. Bountiful Tejuino combined with Tequila and Rum. The dresses of the dancing women billowed like the wings of a bird, or like the petals of a flower under the joyful winds.


    Much time was spent like this. Some proved unable to continue the festivities, primarily those whose bodies were long worn by time ended up falling asleep on the floor of cobbled stone. Their bodies leaned on the lofty buildings of wood with bases of baked brick or cobbled tones. They were locked in a constant, never-ending struggle between the world of those who wake the mysteries of the dreamers. Eventually, the moon began to finalize its journey. It was to be expected, they lived within a warm region in the middle of summer. Lucky were they that the clouds bearing rain didn¡¯t block the light of the kind father. Culiqaques endless chase would not be visible to the townspeople for very much longer.


    The heavens were like a great unfurling piece of cloth, the old pattern of the heavenly stars, beautiful and intelligent, being replaced by Kabam''s hateful light, wretched usurper. Qisigu once more blew the horn and summoned great silence. He said to the people with words that mournfully flew, ¡°My dear friends, it appears the night is over.¡± He knelt with tired knees upon the hostile stone. He was no elder and was still capable of such an action, but it was still painful as many within the crowd joined him, ¡°Great Lord! We pray that one day you may not have to leave us! We know we can¡¯t offer a full human life to you, not when you aren¡¯t present fully in the flesh. But still! You died for us countless times, you bled for us when you kneaded your flesh to make our frames, and burn for us with your vibrant face, to make the night pleasant and to rival the wretched demon. Lord! Please, we will bleed and suffer for you as well!¡± The man moved with his knees upon the harsh stones, in spite of the pain and tearing skin, and took a small yet sharp wooden stake. With the thin object, he pierced his tongue and spilled his blood. The blood was left upon the sacred tree of St. Sini Naqihu, which now contained the skulls of the deceased dogs, oxen, goblins and horses alongside the vibrant cloth and slowly rotting offerings. The stick was cast by the man into the fire which no longer flared but still smoldered, its heavy heat dancing on his skin when he approached it. Two and a half dozen men and women joined him in the sacrifice, in the willing suffering to showcase their deep reverence and loyalty.


    The procession moved in a circle three times around the sacred fire and three times around the sacred tree. None who had knelt backed down from the glorious self sacrifice, but many didn¡¯t dare to do even that. Their loyalty and devotion was not quite so powerful. A few kept the blood moving to avoid its coagulation before joining the procession themselves, occurring in two fashions. Juja and Sugihu didn¡¯t back down from such a challenge and joined their relative in the kneeling and self immolation. They stood up and the bones were rounded up in a pile around the sacred tree. Once done Sugihu gripped his instrument and they began to march in a firm line, as a military group does, to visit the homes of everyone as the sun continued its journey. They carried with them great buckets of blood, both clotted and still clear. They carried with them many such wooden sticks and finally embarked on a journey outside the town center as Culiqaque finally fully disappeared from their view.


    The procession walked around the bountiful town, their instruments serving as a call to awaken to any who slept. Some who dared spilled their own blood once they gazed upon their houses, letting it soak to the many trees that grew around their homes, those of their ancestors. At least, those who had them. Qisigu hanged behind as Sugihu formed the head of the procession as he had multiple times before in prior, if usually less grandiose celebrations. The ambience was brutally shifted when an old man from a more impure bloodline walked up to all of them letting out horrible screams for help. They wriggled and gnawed at all their ears. The elder pulled at his own clothes and then shook Sugihu, ¡°Oh help me will you! Tear my flesh and spill my blood!¡± Sugihu was too stunned to speak but finally recognized the man. He was a long-time inhabitant of the settlement, having known Qisigus uncle before his dreadful death.


    Qisigu soon let fly some words, ¡°Calm yourself, elderly man! What troubles you so, what is the source of your woe?¡± The old man finally calmed himself and let fly words that struck into the procession''s hearts like deadly arrows, ¡°A demon spoke to me the most horrible words! I struggle to tell you what it said, oh, but it was most awful! It used magic to freeze my limbs! It climbed my chest before making a mess of my house and stealing the roosters I didn¡¯t sell in the morning!¡± Sugihu finally composed himself and questioned the man, ¡°What would you have us do? Demons can exist in many hosts at the same time. They are slithery beings, true maggots.¡± Qisigu reassured the elderly man after grabbing his wrinkled and sagging hands, ¡°Oh, old man, do not be so afraid. Demons are pathetic creatures compared to the good Lord, that¡¯s why they slither. Do not be afraid.¡± The old man clenched his teeth and cried out, ¡°Oh, I wish I didn¡¯t! But I can¡¯t help it, please, spill my blood on the trees of my honorable ancestors!¡± Both Qisigu and Sugihu looked at each other before Qisigu finally spoke out with fearful and ashamed words, ¡°We are sorry, wretched man, but we can do nothing.¡± The elder seemed as though he would break out in tears and begged with utmost sincerity, ¡°Please! I¡¯ve never dared to do it myself but I do not want to hear those horrible words while the beast leaves me senselessly paralyzed! I felt weak, helpless, wretched! Please!¡± Qisigu clasped the old man hands tied and sternly said, ¡°I understand old man, but we can¡¯t. Harming other humans is something only a priest can excuse, no matter the reason. We don¡¯t want to risk ourselves, we¡¯ve a name and soul to upkeep.¡±


    Before the man could say anything else a young woman came and took the hands of the old man. It seemed she was going to say something stern to the old man before she realized the great procession of people all looking at her and at him. She bowed shamefully and said with similarly ashamed words with an edge of frustration, ¡°Ah, I¡¯m terribly sorry. My grandfather''s wits have surely left him before the rest of his spirit. There is no such fearful being, not here at least. He made a mess of our home before tripping on me and running away before I could question him. He went out kicking and screaming widely. We did not mean to bother you.¡± The old man eagerly screamed out, ¡°That is not true, the demon is real and dangerous! I beg you all to believe me.¡± She guided him away despite his lofty words, his aged limbs offered no great resistance. ¡°It did not only threaten me! It claimed it would wreak immense despair upon us all! We ought to pray to the good Lord, I tell you all, I tell you all!¡± He was dragged off anyways by the young woman until he finally gave up on his screeches. Never before was such a hollow man seen, defeated as his face was contorted in an expression of absolute fear. His granddaughter cared nothing for that and silently chided him before they vanished from the procession''s view.


    Sugihu, Qisigu and Juja looked at one another with surprise and anxiety as the procession''s members appeared either amused or frightened by the old man''s promises and screeches. Qisigu smiled widely and proclaimed to the rest of the townsfolk, ¡°Pay that no heed! The Lord of the Cosmos protects us all, let us continue with this processions shall we? Let''s look forward to playing for the bones later today!¡± They continued on the music. It was a most joyful procession as blood of men and animals watered the lofty trees planted upon the human bones of the ancestors. People began to talk to one another, discussions of the incoming games abounded, as well as some lingering comments whispered about the old man. The music went quiet and eventually stopped once they reached Qisigu¡¯s home. The march found itself abruptly ended, like a cut string going taunt. Qisigu stared with eyes wide and heart palpitations at the most horrible sight, his anxiety finally growing too great to contain.


    His home''s previously impeccable straw roof was destroyed, a great hole being left within it. The hole gaped like the mouth of a horrible leech. It was harshly and haphazardly broken, more so than the lifeless steel would cut. The windows had the oiled paper mostly impeccable, the locked windows opened cleanly yet appeared to have been chewed before that. Qisigu thought it likely a demon had broken through the roof possessing the body of a great beast, then taken advantage of his son''s human frame to open the sealed windows. Any human could tear apart the simple mechanisms, but even the most powerful beasts would struggle. Aside from that, the outside was utterly normal. Juja tried to say, ¡°Brother-¡± before he could finish his sentence, however, the man ran quickly as an arrow into his own home. No blood was splattered within the floor or within the furniture, but it was out of order, moved around. He called with his frightful voice, ¡°Son? Son? Miraqu Leme!¡± He knelt with his bloodied knees and asked in a tone overflowing with sharp emotion, ¡°Where are you? Where are you?¡± There he remained, scratching at his own neck with brutal force and breathing in irregular intervals. His mind was a shrivelled mess he could barely make any sense of. Others entered behind him, his cousin Sugihu and other onlookers, morbid curiosity having possessed them and gripped their limbs under its control. Sugihu struggled to find words, beginning yet stopping. Eventually he finally mustered the fortitude of himself, and said, ¡°My dear cousin, come, I will help you stand. This is the most horrible scene, you are distressed. We will handle this, there is no need for you to worry. How about some more alcohol to heighten your spirits?¡±


    Qejonu stood up with rapid quickness and hollered out with vibrant strength, ¡°I need no help standing up, do you think me a babe!¡± He was gripped by an inalienable resolve once he heard such words, ones which wouldn¡¯t let him go. The words that escaped the barrier of his teeth had hearts of iron, ¡°No, no. We need to find my son. We can¡¯t delay.¡± Sugihu once more struggled to speak, but eventually said, ¡°Well, my cousin. We¡¯ll handle that. There is no need for you to struggle. You may see some-¡± Qejonu said to him between clenched teeth, ¡°No. I will be the one to find my son. I will slaughter whoever has dared to touch him.¡± Sugihu attempted to speak but his stuttering was interrupted by Qejonu who said, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to stop me, you useless slug! You can¡¯t even properly finish your sentences and you hope to find my son? I will not let you get in my way, every second we spend here is one more danger!¡± Sugihu flinched back as if struck and spoke nothing as his cousin left the room, pushing aside the men and women gathered around the door with only hateful thoughts lurking within his head.


    Such was the first attack of the dreaded demon Huse Napasa, such were the feelings fostered by people back in those days. None predicted that instead of making it into a coward, the death of Qejonu would embolden the most horrible demon. But the demon was clearing the road for its own destruction and making itself an enemy worthy of vanquishment.

 Chapter 4

    The words of his cousin proved themselves naught but empty wind to the ears of mighty Qisigu. He tore through the vast crowds uncaring of whatever stood in his way. Be they eager young children and youths, gossiping women, or ever-hungering dogs. It mattered not, he cared nothing for his role as a shepherd of the people. A makeshift head for a body with none. He continued impulsively into the building on the other side of the church, the two buildings laying near each other like trees in a grove, grown from the corpses of kin either by oath or blood. It contained the town''s formal weaponry, no longer coordinated or blessed by a priest. But not forgotten and left to rust either.


    He prepared himself with a fearsome sword, the grandest one which he could find and armed himself with a fearsome crossbow and myriad bolts. He prepared a spear, thin but deadly and glorious in the tearing of flesh. As he armored himself with a gambeson, the cloth meant to protect vital organs imbued with glorious life by the good lord, a fearsome knock flew around the cavernous building. Receiving no answer Juja simply entered the room and began to speak, ¡°My good brother, I can¡¯t dissuade you from partaking in this endeavor, can I?¡± Qisigu, knowing better than to remain silent, responded, ¡°No. If anyone is to cause damage to that wretched and foul being, it will be me.¡± Juja nodded and quickly responded, chuckling slightly at the first part, ¡°I know how you are when an idea enters your head. Please, brother, allow me to accompany you. The boy was my nephew after all.¡± Qisigu stopped for a moment but quickly nodded and smiled widely, responding with increasing strength to every word, ¡°Yes, yes! Together we will bring down that horrible, detestable, and aboherrible creature. I will admit, I didn¡¯t expect you to follow me. Not you, but I am glad you didn¡¯t abandon me, my good brother.¡±


    Once fully readied, Qisigu hugged his brother, who quickly hugged back. Qisigu responded to him and said, ¡°Well, why wait? Every second lost is one of further danger for him. I¡¯ll get my old steed ready. Let us meet at the gates of my home.¡± Though it was most sinful, he felt anger at having sacrificed his strong young horse at the glorious deity. Before hearing a response, the man speedily ran out of the building, stopping his swift limbs at the doorway to say,¡° Do not delay.¡± He then ran with all the strength imbued in his frame, back to ready his steed at the stable shared between him and his tenants, running all the way back to his lands with breathtaking speed. He muttered to himself, ¡°I should¡¯ve freed the beast of its bonds before going to suit up. I ought to concentrate, think straight!¡±


    He quickly freed the old beast, with muscles worn, its drooping lips and hollow eyes. He quickly climbed atop the still mighty beast, a masterful work of muscle sinew and hide woven by the Lord of the Cosmos. He uttered a quick order to it, ¡°Let us go!¡± Great forcefulness was imbued into his voice. Having heard it countless times, the aged creature began to move, still in possession of a vibrant fire within its limbs. They stopped at the nearby home of Qisigu, the still gathered crowd moving away from the fearsome creature and the angry man. They still remained close so as to see and hear. They had to satiate their curiosity, its never-ending thirst. There he impatiently waited for a very small amount of time before uttering to the beast, ¡°Is my brother a turtle? Why does he linger so much when such danger lurks!¡± After some more moments he added in an even more bitter tone, ¡°Now, when I need him most he fails me! Some brother of mine I¡¯ve got! But I suppose he¡¯s always been the kind of man to break under the slightest pressure.¡±


    In spite of his brother''s bitter musings and thoughts, Juja did not sit idly. Soon he arrived and bowed still atop his steed, followed by an agile hunting dog. A well-trained one from a good bloodline. The horse was broken and tamed, but not an aged pile of bones and worn flesh as Qisigus was. Qisigu judgmentally uttered, ¡°So you finally arrived! Are you a snail or a slug, incapable of movement? Is your skull naught but one of their empty shells, that my words flew through one of your ears and left straight through the other?¡± Juja remained proud and calm in spite of his brothers fearsome words and let apologetic words fly in a rapid manner, ¡°Forgive me dear brother, I went as fast I could.¡± Qisigu couldn¡¯t find it within himself even in his painful state to continue his bitter musings against his good brother and said to him, ¡°Very well, let us go. Let us stay together, who knows what kind of tricks the demon will play on us if it catches us alone and unaware.¡±


    The final words were uttered as they already went on their horses. Even in such a rush, Qisigu understood the space needed to explore was vast and it was simply not possible to gallop the whole way with the mighty and aging beast. And so the two of them rode in silence observing the shadows the early morning sunlight caused when it danced around the haughty trunks of trees both old and young. Great organisms which had survived galloping winds and the buzzing pests all the same. Upon their roots there stood no human corpse; their spirits were wild and untamed. They moved in the cool morning air, very much unlike the great heat reached in the middle of the afternoon. The frustration of Qisigu was laid clearly for his brother to see, who noticed the way his fingers contorted in myriad forms even as they gripped the reins and the way his eyes increasingly looked upon the world with quickness. There was nothing, no one clue or mark, that anything was out of the ordinary. The winds danced, the hatefuls sun rays toyed and mocked cheerfully at them, and the birds talked with one another about meaningless things in a tongue foreign to man.


    Juja began to speak and blunderingly uttered, ¡°My brother, we are no strangers to death. It should not be a hateful thing-¡± Qisigu interrupted him in a sharp and brutal manner, ¡°Indeed, we are not strangers to it.¡± He locked his gaze at his brother, ¡°But my son is not dead. Have you so little faith? I am confident he is still alive. Every second you waste your breath with such an empty wind is one during which you could be focused, searching for him. Put those eyes of yours to good use.¡± At such words the flaming breath of life within Juja was made lesser. He could not find it within himself to answer to his brother.


    Yet as they kept searching Qisigu was no longer capable of fully concealing his doubts to himself, not as they searched through stones and through trees, through bushes and grasses and found nothing. Nothing was heard but the cacophony of wildlife that prowled in that time. The buzzing flies, the galloping winds, the singing birds and the battling locusts all struggling for dominance of the clear air. They continued for much longer, some sparse attempt at conversation finally brotting out between them as they moved. The cool air of the early morning was replaced by the warmth of noon as their search proved entirely fruitless. It was both sweet and hateful, for the fate of his son remained uncertain. He dreaded the wait, yet dreaded the moment of truth all the same. Such fickle beings are human kind, with thoughts that swim and wriggle to one corner and to another without questioning each other so as to coordinate themselves.


    Juja began to let fly some far more serious words once more and spoke out, ¡°My good brother, please listen to me.¡± Qisigu tensed up slightly at such words but responded with haste, ¡°Yes?¡± Juja finally let fly the remaining words like swift arrows, ¡°Qisigu. We¡¯ve been making our horses walk for hours now, piled ones upon others. They aren¡¯t lively rivers, they can¡¯t continue running forever. Especially not yours. Look at the way it struggles for breath. It has not aged well, and even this slow trot tires it.¡±


    By now, Qisigu no longer had a look of anger plastered on his firm face. It had been replaced by one of anguish, only barely kept at bay by the strength of his powerful will. ¡°You¡¯re right about one thing, my horse barely can keep going.¡± He clenched his jaw with absolute rage, ¡°But I will not finish my journey. Even if it is necessary, I will-¡± The words seemed to stop flowing out of the man''s mouth. He struggled to let some out but managed to achieve nothing coherent, nothing loud or powerful. He in many ways resembled a drowning rat in its final moments.


    Juja took some time to realize his brother had stopped, and continued trotting on his horse for some short while. He turned back after a little while and looked at the expression of sheer horror on his brother''s face. He questioned the man with a grave voice, uneasy and seeming as though he dreaded the incoming answer, ¡°What is it? What ails you brother?¡± Qisigu, great public speaker though he was, couldn¡¯t find it within himself to respond with clear words. All he did was move his hand, and point with a single finger at a nearby tree, at that which was nestled within its bony branches.


    Juja took some time to measure what kind of figure lurked within the bony branches, but soon it was laid bare on his mind. Soon creeping horror wormed and chewed its way to his unprepared brain. The white shimmering bones were human, irrevocably so even though it had been stripped of flesh and though many bones laid on the black and drying earth. Qisigu finally let out a deadly scream of sheer pain. He came down from his horse and ran towards the corpse. It was but a pile of bones yet he looked at them and turned them time and time again as if wishing to obtain the greatest amount of information from them. Though it may be impossible, it seemed like he wished for the bones to talk back to him and give him answers.


    While awestruck Juja could not bring himself to proclaim what he knew to be truth, as he had prior. He timidly spoke out, attempting to soothe his brother''s clearly torn psyche, ¡°We must not jump to conclusions-¡± He was sharply interrupted by Qisigu, ¡°It is him.¡± Juja asked once more, ¡°There is no way you can be sure-¡± Qisigu simply clenched his teeth and hugged three bones closely, as a child does a straw doll. His words didn¡¯t have passion within them, simply cold acceptance, ¡°It is him.¡± The heavy cloak of silence hung over the both of them for some time after that. Juja could not find strength to respond in any way, to comfort his brother in any way. Too full of grief was he as well as seeing the boy he¡¯d known from back when he was a smiling babe reduced to such a manner. Qisigu began quietly mumbling, growing louder as the words flew by one after another, ¡°I know his rising cheekbones. I know the tooth he lost the other month, we buried it in the graves of our ancestors. Oh! And know here he lay! Mangled! Destroyed! Torn apart as a wretched dog does a mere doll!¡± He clenched his teeth in great rage and agony for some time, inciting yet greater grief within both himself and his brother.


    But they weren¡¯t allowed time to rest or speak with one another as laughter echoed from the bushy crowns of the haughty trees. It mockingly spoke out with words that flew and dug deep as arrows into not only their bone but their marrow, ¡°Oh, foolish little man! Some leader you are, hunched, keeled and clutching those dead bones. Let us see, what does that remind me of?¡± Immediately the voice responded to its own question, ¡°Oh! Precisely! A stinky and unfinished child, something far from perfect. Oh, how your ancestors would laugh at you right now!¡± It made some small noises, disapproving clicks and continued, ¡°But they don¡¯t see you right now in this disgusting, pathetic state. Do they?¡± Once more it responded to its own question as if desiring to keep the facade of a conversation while leaving all of its thoughts clearly and evidently bare. It let out some galloping laughs and continued, ¡°So dust yourself off, and let us talk like dignified creatures. Separate from these crawling beasts, quiet trees, and the parties of your humans scampering like rabid dogs at anything they see in the woods. I¡¯ve an offer to make to you, there are important things to talk about.¡±


    Qisigu was shocked when he first heard the words, but soon found rage surge within himself like a fire reborn from its smoldering coals. He questioned it in a slow tone, only barely containing his tremendous anger, ¡°So you are the demon who killed my son. That feasted upon his corpse and scattered his bones as though he were a mere straw doll.¡± Echoing laughter resounded, coming from all four cardinal directions at once. She responded swiftly, ¡°Indeed! His flesh was quite delectable, your little spawn clearly never knew need or want. I even made my spirit enter the bodies of moths so as to devour even the cloth in his body. Would¡¯ve been better with some kind of spicy sauce, some salt and a bitter kind of juice. But it''s hard to get those when you¡¯re a miserable vagabond such as I.¡± Such words only increase the rage of the man. While the creature continued its monologue he readied his crossbow and placed his bolt within the contraption of wood and thick string. He let it fly swiftly as a dove through the air.


    The bolt continued flying and fell without first being able to glut itself with the warm blood of living organisms. He was met with resounding laughter, ¡°So this is the game which you want to play, eh?¡± Qisigu continued preparing for another attack with the crossbow at the same time, unbothered by the mocking words. At the same time the demon frightened the horses with a terrible and loud noise, causing the terrified Juja to swiftly fall off from his beast. He would run and hide behind a tree, barely paying attention to the continued events unfolding around him. All he did was whisper to himself as he hugged the tree with his scraped limbs. Dark blood oozed from him as he prayed and desperately closed his eyes. Perhaps he was like a child, deluding himself into believing the demon wasn¡¯t present so long as he no longer saw it. The creature swiftly let out a sound resembling a sigh, ¡°This is not what I wished for, but it is not particularly unexpected either.¡± After another bolt was fired at thin air the creature answered in an arrogant and regal tone, ¡°Your aim is good, but I¡¯ve much experience with this. Your crossbow is nothing but two pieces of wood and badly-worn string, you could never nail me with that. You¡¯ve got your great-grandfather''s spirit. He was a good man, far better than his son. But enough ramblings, I wish to have a proper conversation with you. There is no need for all these meaningless struggles.¡± Qisigu awarded the fierce demon with no response as she continued uninterrupted and in a voice oozing arrogance stated, ¡°I can promise you this; your aim will never strike true, you-¡±


    ¡®


    Another bolt was let fly, this one striking with true aim as a measly pigeon fell from the sky. He arrogantly proclaimed, ¡°I see you¡¯ve some inglorious vessels, very reflective of your wretched being!¡± Its limbs were unbuckled and life left it. The demon, the false idol, was entirely quiet for some time as if incapable of formulating a response. She soon regained her composure and from three cardinal directions she soon let out a more pained and forced chuckle, ¡±It seems I¡¯ve underestimated you. You have killed a part of me. Fine! If you are so determined to inflict damage on my hosts, come and search for me! I won¡¯t make it easy for you.¡± Noise filled the air as the creatures'' dozen wings and dozen eyes guided by myriad brains made the air dance and gallop, mixing it around. The dog had fruitlessly barked at the air, but now it prepared itself as Qisigu said to it as he ran, ¡°Come, dog, and make yourself useful! There is a demon upon which we must inflict great pain.¡± As he followed along the dog which guided him he muttered, ¡°Some coward that demon is. Even you¡¯ve more bravery than her.¡±


    The man ran with great swiftness alongside the hound as they searched for the beast. They twisted around the forest as if flying in a myriad of manners, soon asking, ¡°You think you can kill me? Inane fool, your mind''s death is addled like that of a grieving mother by your son''s death. You should be ashamed of yourself!¡± The man gripped his short spear tightly and responded with haste, ¡°I know I can make you suffer, and that is all that I desire!¡± The creature let out a groan and vanished from the man''s sight. Qisigu turned the dog on and ordered, ¡°Search, dog, search!¡± The creature soon ran before the man, muscles rippling beneath its skin and fur as it ran towards the path within which the birds were moving, helping him keep track of them even when they were banished from view. He clenched his teeth once more in abject rage as they sent down mocking words, stating, ¡°I simply wish to converse with you in a rational manner! Is that so much to ask, human? But If you are to chase me, must you do it in such a slow and sluggish manner?¡±


    The man simply shouted firm words of his own mocking, ¡°Come down, and do combat with me, one on one as we ought to do! You¡¯ve clearly got mightier vessels than that one. With these mere birds you didn¡¯t drag off my son and devour him down to the bone. ¡± The creature let out a sigh and explained in a slothful tone, ¡°I devoured him in the form of a fearsome cat of the mountains. But I¡¯ve no need to destroy you; you are more useful to me alive and under my control than dead. I won¡¯t give up hope on you so easily.¡± She let out a horrible shriek that cut through the prior atmosphere. Qisigu went on-edge but the demon resumed its conversation as though nothing had occurred,¡±I¡¯ve killed you son, when will you submit to me!?¡±. He clenched his teeth and simply uttered with great rage, ¡°You are among the most foolish creatures in this world! That is all I¡¯ve got to say to you.¡± The chase continued without mocking for some time, as the man ran and let fly some words and crossbow bolts with fury yet without any certainty. He was cut out of his thoughts as he heard the bright yelp of the hound which tore through the air like something sharp. He saw a poisonous serpent biting at the leg of the hound, one most horrible and venomous. It was thick as rope with skin that appeared from mere sight as rough as one too. He responded with tremendous quickness and attempted to stab the serpent''s head with one fell swoop of his firm spear. It proved itself of sufficient quickness, and removed the creature of its life and blood. The creature controlled by the spirit of the wretched demon grew silent, that part of the demon itself going through physical suffering. Something which brought great pleasure and joy to furious Qisigu.


    Despite himself he let fly chuckles, ¡°Weren¡¯t you screaming to the heavens how you weren¡¯t going to kill me! Incomprehensible beast, the dog here had far more sense than you in all ways!¡± Before the creature could respond he readied his crossbow and let fly serious and steady words, ¡°Is this how you plan to dissuade me, horrible wretch! Every beast you possess that I destroy brings me much joy!¡± The creature''s voice came from another fluttering pigeon flying and hidden from view, a mere mutter to itself, ¡°Why must you be like this?¡± Qisigu knew better than to respond to the meandering thoughts of the beast and felt the invisible force of uneasiness creeping down and up his back. She continued, ¡°I¡¯ve manipulated the serpent''s venom. It slew the damned mutt but I¡¯d make sure it would paralyze your muscles with little pain. I tried it out on an old man just this morning.¡± Qisigu had inklings of who he was talking about, but proved unable to forment a retort. Especially as he heard the dangerous snorts of a powerful beast. His eyes grew wide as he beheld a dangerous hog charging at him, the muscle and tusks controlled by the whilly mind of the spirit. Unlike the other twisted corruptions, which resembled ordinary creatures on their exterior, this was clearly touched by a demon even just using sight. Its tusks were unnaturally long, its eyes wide and great like a fearsome beast, and its fur mottled in the forms of horrible writing. Delighted, the spirit let out a voice from the mouth of the hog itself, ¡°How will you deal with me now, eh? With no horse, no dog, alone, how will you fight and escape? Did you not wish to do this the hard way? Then do not whine like a slimy child! ¡±


    The man moved swiftly and paid the spirit''s words not the slightest heed. He climbed a tree with many great branches with utmost speed, struggling as the fearsome hog charged enraged with cunning intelligence visible in her deadly eyes. The beast led out laughs and was joined by the other fleshy creatures possessed by the spirit. She spent some time delighting in the fear of Qisigu until he finally calmed himself. Until he left the well dry. The spirit chuckled and said, ¡°I¡¯ve finally got you where I want you. Alone. Incapable of running to any region, either in pursuit or fleeing. Together, your village lot would have destroyed any physical attack I could ever hope to muster. But alone, I can destroy your frame with ease. But I don¡¯t desire that. I only wish to talk, and I can promise you no other spirits will interrupt us.¡±


    Qisigu finally let out frustrated words simply asking, ¡°Well? What will you say, foul fiend! Have you cornered me just to gloat on how you devoured my son or will your wretched form let out anything of value.¡± The hog continued charging and circling around the tree but the birds which were perched directly above him soon began to let fly words. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, I do not want to do all of these terrible things to you a lot. You are my own people and I care for you.¡± Seeing the look on Qisigus face she chuckled and let out some words, ¡°Oh of course, I¡¯ll devour some of you. Just a shepherd of the plains will devour some of his flock. But I don¡¯t desire your destruction.¡± The great leader soon retorted, ¡°Demon, your kind knows no true love. You are nothing but arrogant tools of the hateful Sun!¡± The demon soon responded in a hasty manner without delay, ¡°Oh please, I¡¯ve no want to argue about your Heretical gods'' moronic ideology. Not any more than you would like to know how I devoured your son.¡± Qisigu appeared uncertain as to his next course of action. And so, a bright idea wormed its hideous way into the horrible demon''s head. She fiendishly spoke out, ¡°I didn¡¯t consume all his flesh as once you know, a pleasure is best if it lasts longer.¡± he was left without words for some time, ¡°No, I devoured it with far smaller bodies than this one, like the small bipedal birds that tear at trash. I delighted in every muscle, every tendon, and every organ I devoured¡± The horrible creature focused the eyes of the fierce hog with those of Qisigu, ¡° Would you like to hear more, or can we move on to actually useful subjects?¡± The great leader let fly some words, ¡°Why you-¡± Yet the creature continued without delay, this time slightly louder.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°The time after my defeat by Sini Naqihu was most painful and most wretched. I am a goddess after all, reduced to being a miserable member of the fae! It''s been many years, decades even, since I last possessed a proper human body and dwelled in a proper place. All of my territories went on to worship your moronic god due to that accursed man.¡± He laughed as winged words soon left him, having steeled his nerves. He simply refused to let the demon have its way during this conversation. His mind had been stirred since his son''s death and he cared little if he was to live or die, ¡°Do you hope to elicit sympathy from me? Do you possibly think I will feel anything other than joy when hearing of just misery befalling you, horrible demon? Especially so soon after slaying my son? If you were human, I would have long since wringed your neck with my bare hands.¡±


    The horrible fiend let out a sigh and bitterly remarked, ¡°Did your parents not teach you it was rude to interrupt?¡± The hateful demon received no immediate answer to its question as Qisigu tried to look for a way to escape. While he had long realized that there was nothing he could do other than remain on top of the tree he did not wish to break before the fiend. The horrible demon controlled the body of an unnatural hog and would maul his limbs and fleshy face. As silence reigned between the two of them the human finally let fly bitter words, ¡°If it were up to me, my ears would not be grazed by your horrible speeches. I would tear apart all the bodies you possess with deadly spears alongside others following me..¡± His mouth broke out into a smile, ¡°We would delight ourselves as life slowly left the bodies you possessed. It is only a shame that when a part of your disgusting being is attacked, the rest doesn¡¯t feel pain. The fat hog whose soul you¡¯ve sent to meet the good Lord would make a far more enjoyable being to destroy than your squirming pigeons.¡± He let out a laugh, ¡°But of course, you¡¯re too arrogant and cowardly to fight truly and properly. You¡¯ve not a hundred the bravery of a rooster. It is as full of glory as you are lacking in it. And you think you could make humans bow before you?¡±


    The demon finally let fly her own words, full of arrogance and bite, ¡°And yet you were foolish and charged alone with nothing but a single mutt and your tiny, useless spear to charge at me. Huse Napasa, the welcome hit. And now you pay the price.¡± Qisigu simply clenched his teeth in great rage. The words dug themselves deep into his very being, and he could not find a quick retort. The horrible fiend soon continued speaking, this time the hog being the receptacle of voice she used, ¡°Fine. Since you¡¯ve determined yourself to make this as unpleasant for the both of us as you possibly can, I will get straight to the point.¡± Without meaning to, the muscles on Qisigu''s broad frame tensed up once those words galloped into his round ears.


    ¡°I want to be worshiped. I am tired of crawling, slithering, of being a sneaking and wretched creature. I wish to inhabit a human body and a human dwelling place once more, and lead a group of you, a shepherd does sheep and as I once did. I am willing to forgive all of you for your ancestors'' crimes against me. That. That is what I want. Merciful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Qisigu was shocked to silence for a second by the absurdness of the words combined with the sincere tone they were spoken. His frame froze not by fear but due to his mind''s incapacity of processing the words spoken. Then, slowly at first but faster as moments passed he let fly galloping laughs, one after another as they progressive rose up in strength and quickness. Whether the demon was telling the truth or not didn¡¯t matter, he would play along with its twisted game. They came out like a great river and drowned out the other noises that struggled for dominance in the immediate vicinity. The demon looked at him with a dozen soulless eyes, from half as many corrupted brains, incapable of showcasing emotion in proper facial expressions as it had done in a prior age.


    Signs of laughter eventually dried out, for nothing in this world is infinite, not even when coming from the sublime frame of man. ¡°How funny,¡± he muttered, ¡°mere moments ago I never would have thought booming laughter would leave my frame! Oh fiendish demon, what you have of malice you lack in wit! Your head is hollow, hollow I tell you!¡± Those words lifted the fiendish demon out of its horrible stupor as she used the twisted hogs body to charge with blind fury at the tree and the figure that hung on top of it, its white and fierce tusks scraping off bark. Yet it stood strong, for in power it far surpassed the beast even if she twisted it to her horrible will . Words soon left it, ¡°Must you ail me so! I reveal my innermost desires, in a fair agreement, and this is your response? Oh, I desire nothing more than to steal a pterosaur''s frame and slowly impale you with its terrible beak. Watch as the blood and the life left you, as your smile disappeared and as your innards were laid bare for all to see! Horrible, Horrible human.¡±


    But such words only helped to inflame the spirit of the sharp-minded man. Qisigu had a welcome reminder that the demon was limited, that it was no deity, no goddess. It may be capable of destroying his body, but his spirit and soul could never be touched by that horrible creature. And so, he had to stand strong. He was the one who let out mocking words now, ¡°Oh, foolish demon, false idol. Here you are, throwing a tantrum and scraping wood and dirt like a child! Your mind is badly made, as expected by your mother, the weak shadow of the good lord''s absolute magnificence!¡± The beast appeared to wish to retort but could do nothing but continue charging at the tree and stirring up the dirt, muttering curses to Sini Naqihu and eventually saying to him, ¡°Enough about your deities'' moronic theories, you sound just like that accursed man! ¡±. He continued with his words and arrogantly proclaimed, ¡°Only a group of fools would worship you, people as miserable as our ancestors were when you guided them to this stretch of land. But no more, our loyalty is unbreakable. Of course, a being as wretched as you could never understand true loyalty and devotion. You¡¯re nothing but a slithering worm.¡±


    The creature screamed out with half a dozen mouths in unison, ¡°Enough!¡± The word was repeated three times from both beak and maw. She soon continued, ¡° You truly are your great-grandfather''s spawn, with how you manage to reduce me to a creature of seething and rage. And with all the horrible qualities of Sini Naqihu, you are his horrible reflection in spirit if in neither blood or flesh.¡± It gritted its teeth after that but soon continued, ¡°Look, you inane fool. It is you who is foolish and whose mind has been scrambled by empty lies. Your god is nothing but a silver-tongued liar uttering honeyed words. Telling you useless fools about how grand and godlike you are. But guess what?¡± Qisigu did not respond, content to look at the beasts the demon puppeteered with a look of oozing arrogance. He was delighted in seeing the horrible creature lose her composure, it had been even easier than he had expected. ¡°You are not. You are nothing but amalgamations of flesh piled upon bone. Like all other twisted animals the ancient gods created.¡± Winged chuckles left her, which flew in an irregular manner, ¡°I would have thought that seeing your sons bones scattered, the remains of my deadly mouths would have dissuaded you, but I see your skull is hollow. Whatever images wriggle and dig into your eyes like worms leave through your round ears. Useless creature.¡±


    Qisigu sharly cut her monologue as a knife does butter and said, ¡°Your ramblings are those of somebody mad. Your words are empty wind. Whatever actions you take against us will break before us! I would rather die than lick and kiss your feet as if you were one of the good lord''s blessed sons!¡± The creature responds in an annoyed manner, ¡°And at that, perhaps you would.¡± It let out the sound of a deep sigh from half a dozen throats, and then let out a guttural noise from the deadly hog. The two of them stood there, one from the other for a good long time, no words leaving them as the heavy iron blanket of silence was hung over them. Neither of them wanted to break it with the sharp knife of speech. Qisigu coolly analyzed the quiet and brisk movements of the many empty shells the demon possessed. They had been stripped of an independent soul and spirit. A horrible spirit now moved the strings, now made the creatures into horrible puppets. Once more, he found no way to flee. He debated jumping down and meeting his death against the horrible creature and joining his son, it ought not count as suicide. It wasn¡¯t likely he would soon get as opportune a chance as this. The demon proclaimed she wouldn¡¯t kill him, but rage had clearly gotten the better of it. Such thoughts galloped in his brain with increasing rapidity. But he whispered quietly to himself, ¡°Remember, you are a shepherd of your people. You can¡¯t abandon them, not right now.¡±


    Another bird flew in and whispered unknown words both into the haughty pigeon''s heads and the fierce hogs ears. The hog once more fruitlessly charged at the powerful tree, which resisted its attack as it had the galloping winds of a thousand storms. Qisigu mockingly said to her, ¡°What angers you, has the bird mistaken your empty skull with an empty tree hollow?¡± The creature gave no clear indication of having paid heed to the man''s words, none other than a slight snort. She opened her cavernous mouth in the mockery of a smile and said to the man, ¡°It seems you useless village folk finally got together at last. How opportune for you! A great group of broken horses, slobbering hounds, and men armed with spears and other such weaponry have come.¡±


    Qisigus mouth parted into that of a smile, ¡°And you will leave, run away like a mere cat escaping a hungry dog?¡± The demon let fly no winged words to respond to them, only the wild cicadas and the rustling of the playful winds. ¡°Now, who is the one running away like a coward from here?¡± He chuckled darkly, ¡°Useless demon, and you dare proclaim yourself a goddess.¡±


    Words soon flew from the hogs vast mouth, pained yet firm and cool as ice, ¡°I¡¯ve never been a particularly powerful goddess. And yet, I remain alive and I am finally ready to destroy or subjugate you a lot. Deities have no need for bravery, such a crutch is for mortal beings such as yourselves.¡± It gritted its horrible maw and uttered, ¡°You think you know much woe? You think your son''s death is where I will end this, I will intrude upon you as you sleep and as you wake. Nowhere will you be able to look without my eyes looking back upon you. I will punish you with more severity than a father does an arrogant child, you townspeople will wish they were struck with belts a thousand times over in every centimeter of their flesh. From the youngest smiling baby to the oldest elder with the saggiest skin.¡±


    Qisigu sharply responded, ¡°And you think that will dissuade us, do you think you can uproot our determination, eh? We will not bend before you, no matter what you do!¡± The demon continued speaking, herself recovering some of its arrogance and none of its composure, ¡°So you say, and perhaps you indeed will remain faithful till the end. ¡± The horrid creature charged at the trees round the trunk and let fly ever louder words, ¡°But I am a goddess, and I know how to read people like you simply can¡¯t. It is a skill gained as one grows older, making a full tapestry with pieces unwillingly revealed, and even the oldest human elder is a toddler when compared to me. And I do know one thing-¡± Qisigu interrupted the beast with loud words, not wishing to give her even the satisfaction of finishing a triumphant sentence, ¡°What, tell me, oh, grandest of fools.¡±


    The creature was entirely unfaced by the man''s words, and it delighted let fly word after word, no longer reviewing them in her horrible head, ¡°I know that you fools proclaim devotion, but a breaking point exists for all groups. Your people will bow before me even if you keep refusing.¡± The same bird flew back and whispered into the hog''s ear with ever greater urgency. It muttered more curses but soon spoke with overflowing arrogance and not the slightest composure, ¡°I will leave but remember this, even if you forget the rest of this conversation: You¡¯ve the power to stop me, and settle things down into a peaceful routine, end this struggle. Goodbye.¡± The cohort of bodies, all controlled by copies of the same horrible spirit left with astounding quickness, leaving naught but the dancing winds, the chirping crickets and the screaming cicadas.


    He dared not leave the safety of the tree, the demon was a disgusting and pathetic creature but she still possessed intellect. Now that she was done with its horrible threats the idea of remaining alive was firmly nailed into his mind. It was highly possible that naught but wind, woven lies, had left its beak and snout. He ought not leave the treetop until others came. She claimed she didn¡¯t wish to harm him, but he couldn¡¯t be sure of that, not when he saw rage grip its limbs and move the puppeteer around like a measly puppet. Soon enough heavy relief hit him as he heard the sound of barking dogs and the hooves of powerful horses charging with great speed towards earshot. He screamed out, ¡°Here! Here I am, be wary, the demon came in the form of a mighty wild hog and it might still lurk in the woods. Don¡¯t lose the chance to destroy it if it comes near.¡±


    Soon enough they came into view as he beheld first the running dogs and then the horses with the mounted riders, resembling a single grand being when they were mounted atop the mighty beasts. The first to speak was Juja who proclaimed, ¡°We will heed your words oh brother! I am sorry to have left you, once you ran off with the hound I couldn¡¯t find you anywhere!¡±


    Qisigu bitterly looked at his brother and remarked, ¡°It all worked out in the end, the demon got scared and ran away like the crawling worm it is. I never expected you to follow the creature, I was surprised when you came to help me in the first place. You''re not the countenance of a true shepherd of the people, and we¡¯ve all known that for a long time now.¡± Juja looked at a nearby tree, averting his brother''s gaze. Such words stirred much bitterness within his vast spirit, yet he couldn¡¯t find it within himself to argue against his brother''s words. Sugihu attempted to lighten the mood, and said to them all, ¡°Well, cousin! If the hog the demon has made hollow is as hefty in weight as its wretched spirit is full of cowardliness and other horrible attributes, the entire town could feast upon it!¡±


    All present laughed cheerily once they heard that, even Juja and Qisigu. Sugihu then questioned his cousin in a more serious manner, and in a far quieter tone, ¡°What should we do? Should we chase the demon and try to rend the flesh from the living corpses it moves around?¡± Qisigu shook his head, ¡°It¡¯ll be of no use. I waited for a good long time in that tree without company before you arrived. The demon is a twisted insidious being. She knew you were coming long, long before you arrived through the winged bodies it possesses. If she comes, she will charge blindly as we leave this place. But I think its nerves have been cooled down¡± Qisigu clenched his teeth with fierce strength, ¡°Fiendish creature! I only managed to get close to her because she wished to serenade me with her blind delusions and wicked threats! Oh, the hog had its body warped in unnatural manners by that horrible being.¡±


    All present looked at him with sympathy as the dogs ran around and sniffed the ground for the scent of the creature. Juja and Sugihu exchanged a silent glance, coming to a wordless agreement. Juja spoke, ¡°I trust my younger brother''s judgement, let us go back to the settlement. Defend ourselves instead of hunting.¡± Sugihu finished the thought, ¡°lest it all be like chasing mist. Horribly dangerous mist. Who knows if she won¡¯t strike us with a cloud of poisonous winged creatures?¡±


    Jujas son spoke up, ¡°We can inflict more damage upon her, make it know suffering and strip her of all assets. Please, father, uncles, let some of us go into the thickets to destroy part of that damned beast.¡± An older man completed the young man''s thought, ¡°She ought not stand a chance with all our hounds, our numbers and spears.¡± Qisigu said to them with words that flew in a somber manner, ¡°Indeed, but the disgusting creature knows that. That horrible demon knows no honor, no bravery, no pride. Even the most immoral and lowly members of the human race are more dignified than that foul creature. It¡¯ll remain away, she only struck me because my anger pushed me to leave the company of others. Because she wished for me to become her damned prophet of all things! Your search will be in vain. Possibly a trap¡±


    Juja, eager to please his ailing brother, sternly told his spawn before he could turn it into a heated argument, ¡°Listen to your uncle, young man. His wisdom is great even now that loss addles his wits. We ought to focus our attention so the beast doesn¡¯t strike others, young and defenseless, back in our settlement.¡± Grumbles continued to slip in a sloozy manner from the group that rode out back to their home as the sun continued its fall. She no longer held the zenith of the sky, hateful and horrible kabam, wretched and most terrible mother of evil. Qisigu looked at it with hatred, curses and other wretched thoughts clogging his bright mind. He desired nothing more than to rend apart the terrible ruler, one who inflicts suffering upon their subject rather than ending them as a ruler ought to, to rend it''s horribly bright face apart limb into bloody pieces.


    Ensuring none heard him, Sugihu whispered so as not to incite undue anger or fear into the people, ¡°Qisigu. What happened with you back there, in what way did that horrid and putrid entity poison your mind with her disgusting words?¡± Qisigus eyes darted around to assure himself that the rest of the group was too busy with their own trivial conversations than to listen to his horrible account. Once his spirit was sufficiently assured he looked at his cousin and said, ¡°Most horrible and deluded things, it is clear the demon has gone mad in the last decades since our forefathers casted it out.¡± Juja scratched his own neck with great force and finally let fly words that suddenly flew, ¡°What quantity of things does that horrible creature desire? Oh, I struggle to think; does she want all of our children and women to eat? That we build her a tremendous palace of blood and sweat while we lack shelter? Oh! I am sure whatever she wishes for is just as horrible.¡±


    Qisigu solemnly nodded and responded with haste, ¡°I see your brain is working brightly. That, at least, you¡¯ve no lack of. It¡¯s only the other aspects of the soul which wilt within you.¡° Qisigu ignored his brother''s expression and continued, ¡°She wishes to be worshipped. Worshipped!¡± He clenched his teeth in anger and struggled to keep his voice down. She desires nothing else, and she will go to any length to achieve her goal. Oh, that disgusting slug, that pile of arrogant mold, who could possibly worship something as weak in spirit and lacking in flesh?¡±


    Both Juja and Sugihus muscles went tense for a second before they loosened at the ensuing words that flowed from Qisigus'' silver tongue. Eventually, Sugihu mustered some words out from his lungs, ¡°That horrible being, well, we ought to stand strong. We ought not give her what she desires, not abandon the good lord.¡± Qisigu responded quickly, ¡°I am confident that we shall stand strongly. Never will we bow down!¡± Juja nodded, even if far less enthusiastically, ¡°Let us hope so. Let us pray to the good Lord for strength.¡± They continued riding slowly in between the haughty trees. Juja and Sugihu, in spite of themselves, looked at every shadow and noise which tore in between the meaningless chatter which sounded from the group which followed behind them. But the demon knew its limitations and so they did not find the horrible creature in any visible manner. It hadn¡¯t yet abandoned the possibility for a future of subjugation which didn¡¯t involve rivers of blood.


    Before any of them knew it, they arrived within sight of the settlement, the church''s shadowy figure rising above the rest of the adobe shapes. The vast wood looked beautiful with its engraved patterns, simple yet harmonious even from such a distance. Fields of corn rippled very far from the actual settlement. Even under the light of horrible Kabam. Juja spoke to his brother and mentioned with great difficulty, ¡°I brought your son''s bones back to the town. After abandoning you, I believed that was the least I would do.¡± He whispered quietly, ¡°They were awfully small. It is a shame that little life left this world so soon, so young.¡± Qisigu could initially do nothing but nod, the great speaker struggled but eventually could only just barely bring himself to utter, ¡°Indeed. Let us pray and labor, that the beast may one day be destroyed. Not just in body, but in spirit.¡± Sugihu finished the thought, ¡°As Qejonu was. Let us pray.¡± Such thoughts remained with the tree of them as they entered the town''s streets. The mood shifted as such a thing happened, Qisigu burying his feelings for the moment, raising himself up to a triumphant and proud stance and his mouth contorted into a proud and arrogant smile. He had to, now was not the time to falter. He was a shepherd of the people after all.

 Chapter Five-Aftermath

    Sanu Nepe¡¯s Journal.


    This day was equal parts pleasant and unpleasant in many ways. I had only just settled into a quiet sleep when the sounds of conversation and murmurs could be heard, strongly if distantly. It had expected that the others would notice the disappearance, and therefore thought nothing of it even if I wasn¡¯t able to make it flow through me like empty wind. Once I awoke I found that neither Pipo nor Relino had gotten a hold of sweet sleep. I sighed and angrily murmured to them, ¡°Oh please. The crowd will vanish soon enough, I reckon they ought to be checking for that child we sacrificed.¡± I yawned with drooping eyes and then continued, ¡°Now go to sleep as well, young men. I don¡¯t want you lot disturbing my sleep. The townspeople will surely do the same.¡± Due to receiving no response I said to them with great rage, ¡°What are you two waitting for? Catch a hold of sweet sleep and let me do so as well.¡±


    Quiet, peaceful quiet began to reign over the room as my mind slowly wrote the hateful noises which loudly flew outside as naught but ambience. But just as I was about to let my eyelids drop and fall under a tender embrace, Relino and Pipo looked at one another and soon began to whisper to each other. Perhaps they thought that I had already sunk to the realm of the dreamers, but every word they spoke clearly attached itself to my ears and wormed their way into my mind. I clenched my teeth and said to them, ¡°You two are like a pair of wild hogs! It¡¯s enough with the useless fools outside, must you fools ail me as well?¡± They looked at one another. Relino stood up only to bow before my resting frame and said to me, ¡°Oh, revered father. Glorious master! Would you care to listen to our ideas? They¡¯re but feeble questions, great master, ones you surely would see with ease.¡± Pipo added to his spiritual brother''s words, ¡°We won¡¯t take very long.¡±


    I used my hands to clench the coarse and a miserable blanket which covered me on this cold morning. Miserable thing, not even fit for becoming a sack of grain! To think I would fall to such wretchedness. Relino simply uttered, ¡°Glorious Father?¡± I sighed and said to him in a brisk tone, ¡°Make it quick.¡± Relino was the one who continued the conversation saying to me with words that deceitfully flew, even if they carried a tone of utmost sincerity, ¡°We¡¯ve simply been wondering. Do you not think that perhaps the people will react in some unexpected manner to our deed?¡± I interrupted him with a bitter tone. I was not in the mood to play such games, just because the two of them had the wonderful blessing of youth and good health didn¡¯t mean everyone did. ¡°What do you want? Just say it, I am not in the mood to play these games with you two.¡± Relino appeared unsure as to the course of action he should take and so Pipo was the one who continued, ¡°Father. We think we ought to go out and observe the people.¡± Seeing my expressions of twisted rage he continued, ¡°You can stay here sleeping. It¡¯s been a while and the crowds haven''t decreased. I think I can see a full fourth of the town from here!¡±


    I clenched my teeth and angrily questioned both of them, ¡°You two think you are very smart, eh?¡± I pointed at Pipo from within the hostile floor before pointing and saying to Relino, ¡°Especially you, slimy serpent.¡± I shook my head as a tree is shaken by the galloping wind and continued, ¡°You two want to sneak around eh? Maybe you¡¯ll even consort with that demon and make plans behind my back. Ones you won¡¯t tell me anything about. Foolish creatures, the both of you.¡± Yet, some logic was observed within the words that left both of them. Nowhere near as much as my glorious and sublime being possessed, of course, but inklings of truth were scattered in between seas of horrible putrid trash. The people hadn¡¯t left and indeed, it seems I hadn¡¯t quite taken into account the importance of the boy we sacrificed. I sighed and said to them both, ¡°We will go and see what they do, the three of us. Leaving you alone so early in the morning, such an auspicious time, is not a good idea. I don¡¯t think I could sleep with all of you useless lot lounging around.¡± I muttered to myself in a loud tone, in spite of myself, ¡°I only picked the boy because his connection with you made him easy pickings. But it seems it cost me today''s sleep. I should have taken my chances with some useless, more inglorious child.¡± Of course, the fact that the boy''s father attributed to me the title of the laziest man in the whole town was part of my motivation. My gaze drifted to the both of them, ¡°Well? Help me up.¡±


    After uttering a quick thanks to me the two of them quickly moved to do such a thing and with their hefty muscles helped me to my feet. I looked through our slowly decaying basket of goods and took out a hat of straw, useful would it be later during the day. Relino moved the door, if that crumbling piece of old wood and rope could be called that, from its position with nothing more than a simple push, and dragged it to the side. My eyes darted around the vast settlement. The buildings stood like they always had, made of miserable adobe, nothing more than dirt and putrid straw. More of that straw covered all of the wretched buildings around this settlement, the only baked clay I saw was that used for the bases of buildings. The ones which held glory by this place''s miserable standards. Miserable people, the kind that wallowed in their own repugnant waste. They couldn¡¯t see beyond it. Their miserable temple was tiny yet towered above the other buildings. The settlement wasn¡¯t even properly walled with a wooden wall. Only scattered fences around individual homes and properties.


    Such thoughts swirled rhythmically within my mind as we walked towards the source of the commotion. The very greatest commotion was centered around Qisigus home, with the thatch hole in its roof. People crowded around the door, something I found amusing as I whispered to both of the young men with me, ¡°Look at how they gather,¡± I chuckled brightly, ¡°like starving dogs around a corpse!¡± I kept chuckling to myself for some time, cut sharply by a voice saying,


    ¡°Relino!¡±


    Running towards us came Qasipeqi. I recognized him, he was a friend of Relino, or at least what that serpent made known about himself. Who knows if he wasn¡¯t simply toying with the young man and using him the way I used the two of them. It was thanks to him that we had a connection to that boy Miraqu Leme. Without him, his cousin wouldn¡¯t have died. Such thoughts made me chuckle to myself within my glorious mind . Relino smiled upon seeing him and they greeted one another with a hug, relino joyfully replying, ¡°Qasi!¡± I interrupted them and asked the fifteen year old, ¡°Young man, what is causing so much trouble? It stirred me from my sleep, which displeased me. Quite a bit my dear fellow.¡± My voice was proudly the shining emblem of sincerity. Who could proclaim himself greater than me, sublime wonder that I was. The young man nodded and responded with a pained expression, ¡°Oh! It is a most horrible thing. It pains me to talk about it. Even thinking about it isn¡¯t exactly pleasant!¡± He looked around instead of responding, eyes wandering to multiple places . Eventually, Qasipeqi said to me, ¡°Oh! I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ve had breakfast. How about I bring you something to eat, food always makes grim tales far more palatable.¡± Pipo and Relino looked at me for a moment to judge my response. They didn¡¯t entirely lack wit, I suppose.


    It was clear to me the son of that arrogant man Juja wished to prolong the conversation. Run around these troubles. No matter, what was a hundredth of a day to me? What was life if I did not entertain at least some pleasures of the flesh, those the Emperor, the world spirit, instilled into the very frames of every being. I smiled, a shining emblem of kindness and said to the young man, ¡°Please do young man, we are utterly famished. Although by the looks of it, quite a ruckus was stirred here! Forgive my blatant curiosity, but it can¡¯t be contained.¡± The young man smiled in a grim and forced manner before saying, ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t know the half of it! My uncle appeared utterly livid.¡± He chuckled before continuing, ¡°Why, if I didn¡¯t abhor that beast so, I¡¯d almost feel bad for that mocking demon! Qisigu will surely make her suffer! I¡¯d love to tear that hideous beast apart, she taunted me before. But now, well, now she holds my hatred.¡± He appeared full of the utmost confidence and joy when uttering such words. Pipo and Relino faltered for simply a moment in the most slight manner, one which none but I who had brought them up from mere crawling things would¡¯ve noticed.


    Relino looked at me briefly and then confidently said, as more of an assertion than a question, ¡°I¡¯ll go with him, to help.¡± I was bitter at the way he defied my authority but kept a face of utmost benevolence, a bright beacon, and said calmly, ¡°Good, good. Be back soon though, I¡¯m dying to know every single detail. What every single person thinks. That¡¯s what interests me most.¡± The young men nodded at me and went off. I stayed with Pipo and looked at the bright sun as he rose across the beautiful blue skies, herds of vibrant clouds galloping alongside him. I said to him, greatest of shades, a mere mutter that even I could barely make out, ¡°Great Emperor. See the entertainment I provide to you. Make my ancestors smile upon this endeavor.¡± I even dared to joke with the great being, I think the blessings in my spirit are enough to mark me a glorious being, ¡°it will not be good to you if all my intellect, all my talent you so earnestly instilled in me, goes to waste.¡±


    Of course, the greatest of shades and master of spirits didn¡¯t respond with words. He would answer in actions, perhaps he already was in the process of doing so. Pipo appeared primarily uninterested in the meandering chats of the people around us. I listened to them all, but none of them proved themselves of interest, I never could bother to remain in firm attention for long. It took me some time to notice but it appeared the young man entertained himself by looking at an anthill with its crawling beasts. I rolled my eyes and said to him in a furious tone , ¡°Quit that! What do you even find so entertaining about those wretched creatures!¡± He stood up straight yet looked down shamefully. Before he could respond, Relino arrived accompanied by Qasipeqi. The food they brought with them brightened my spirits greatly and my mouth parted into a smile, a genuine one this time.


    Qasipeqi nodded and smiled, giving the cloth bag filled with food to me, of high quality by this place''s wretched standards. He smiled and said to us all in an agreeable tone, ¡°It¡¯s all yours!¡± I devoured the bread with quick haste, barely even uttering thanks to the young man. It wasn¡¯t quite as good as the bread sold in bakeries at my beautiful home city, but it was far better than the course nourishment I¡¯d grown used to. Qasipeqi rudely whispered to Relino, telling him a bad and utterly disrespectful excuse of a joke, ¡°Your father acts as though he is starving! Someone ought to tell him there is more than plenty of flesh on his frame.¡± My teeth grew clenched yet I refrained from saying anything as I picked up cheese and stuffed it into my mouth. Relino appeared altogether uncertain of what he should say and so simply shrugged instead of making any assertive comments. He then handed me a gourd full of some kind of awful weak corn alcohol once I made the gestures with my rough hands.


    I left a far smaller quantity of food to give to Pipo, who nonetheless eagerly said, ¡°Thank you, father.¡± As he consumed it I made a pleasant smile towards Qasipeqi and said to him, ¡°Why, young man, tell me, is all of this occurring.¡± I pointed towards the people who were still present like vultures, observing everything around the woods as those birds do rotten corpses. I chuckled and pleasantly said to the young man, ¡°This bunch of wrangly goats can¡¯t speak anything clearly, they¡¯re confused and unsteady. But I did manage to wrangle out that old Miraqu Leme has perished from my eavesdropping.¡± I thought nothing of such words.


    Qasipeqi attempted and failed to hide his emotions. He looked down at the floor, with its sparse weeds and the drying earth, soon to be watered by the galloping clouds. Through pain and hints of rage he uttered, ¡°We don¡¯t know that.¡± I said to him in a confused manner, for even my sublime mind isn¡¯t immediately in its thoughts, ¡°Pardon?¡± He calmed himself greatly and said to me with all rage banished from his voice, ¡°Sorry. We don¡¯t know if my cousin is dead yet. Let us hope the good Lord hears our prayers and keeps the poor boy safe..¡± I nodded, entirely uninterested about this people''s moronic religion. Still, I knew that I had to learn more. I pleasantly questioned the young man, ¡°Indeed, but tell me more about what happened. I especially want to know about the people who were affected by this truly dreadful crime, I don¡¯t imagine your father would be unaffected by this either.¡± Upon seeing the quick expression on his face I produced a farce of guilt and said, ¡°Ah,forgive my questions. But people need some way to be entertained! Forgive my wretched being.¡±


    Qasipeqi took some time but he soon attempted to remain proud and dignified. He responded to me, ¡°That is so. You should¡¯ve seen it, the festivities had just ended and we were going ¡®round when-.¡± he once more trailed off and nodded towards Relino before saying to him in a high spirited manner, ¡°it is a shame you and our family can¡¯t go to such events, it was even more glorious than usual.¡± As if remembering something he mentioned, ¡°Oh! I knocked over the cross in which my grand-uncle was crucified! It was glorious, we made it eat dirt.¡± Both Pipo and relino chuckled with him. The three of them noticed the impatience which briefly flashed across my face as I mindlessly said, ¡°Indeed, Indeed.¡± The young man truly was a master at meandering.


    He once more whispered, and in a way that left me unsure whether he desired that I hear or not. He murmured, ¡°He¡¯s as addicted to gossip as my mother! Ha!¡± to Pipo and Relino who more avidly whispered words I couldn¡¯t catch, even with much effort. I pretended not to hear, and I am entirely sure that I achieved the utmost success in this. With increasing difficulty he continued to utter an explanation, his voice utterly wracked with pain, ¡°It was dreadful, Qisigu cried and went inside his house like a broken man.¡± He continued and asked heaven, ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t? We can''t even tell if he¡¯s dead or not.¡± In an attempt to ensure the young man didn¡¯t lose, I continued, and said to him in an offhand and calm manner, ¡°Indeed, uncertainty has a fear of its own. Back in my hometown, children disappeared all the time.¡± I scratched my lips to remove some pieces of cheese which remained attached to me. ¡°I barely remember my mother-that¡¯s what age does to a man-but I do remember she never quite accepted that her firstborn had died.¡± I chuckled, ¡°And who knows? Perhaps he wasn¡¯t devoured; perhaps he got sold into slavery by one of the wandering bands. Names of tribes change, but those folk are the same in all the lands.¡± Personally, I found it more likely that vampires had dragged him into their dens and feasted on him, those fearsome winged fiends. But who can truly tell, other than he who is both the sun and the moon, the emperor and the world spirit at the same time. Other than he, no one.


    My words had an unintendedly grand effect on Qasipeqi. He appeared unsure as to how to respond to me. I still struggle to see how these words have any such effect; I expected mild comfort at most. But regardless, it prompted him to speak so I can¡¯t find any fault in my glorious being; as is to be expected of myself. ¡°But anyways,¡± he continued with increasing strength, ¡°uncle Qisigu didn¡¯t remain idle. He emboldened himself, you should have seen him!¡± His eyes turned dreamy for a moment, ¡°He¡¯s not my favorite uncle but he was a positively glorious man today! My father accompanied him to the forest to hunt that demon. I am positively sure it will suffer, even more since we can¡¯t truly kill it!¡± I nodded and said to all present, ¡°So that¡¯s what¡¯s happened, eh?¡± Despite my internal joy at the fact that the venture was such an abject success, a testament to my status as the greatest beacon of the human race, I made my face into a look of abject sympathy. I repeated, ¡°Ah, well, so that''s what occurred.¡± I dug into my mind to reach for the half-remembered pieces of theology from the scarce hearings of the pieces of writings of foolishness that people considered scripture. ¡°Well, I am sure the good Lord will deliver punishment in due time.¡±


    Before I could bask in the depths of my own sublime and perfect mind we heard the sound of a fearsome horn gallop between the buildings and through the air like agile birds. I annoyedly said to them all, ¡°What¡¯s occurred now, has another child been eaten? Why do they trouble everyone with all this?¡± Qasipeqi looked at me with a face of utmost arrogance that made me desire nothing more than having sacrificed him to Huse Napsa rather than his cousin. Would¡¯ve made my acolytes more respectful. Regardless, he calmed himself and said to me, ¡°Sugihu is calling us-¡± I interrupted him with great speed, ¡°Who is he calling, why now at this precise moment?¡± Pipo and Relino seemed nervous at seeing my abject rage at that. Qasipeqi, without thinking, responded cuttingly with great fierceness in his voice, ¡°It does not matter. We will see when we go. If he calls, we answer. All of us.¡± He appeared rather guilty at having ordered me about, and soon said with what counted as politeness in this accursed land, ¡°I am terribly sorry for speaking to you in such a-¡±


    I interrupted the young man briskly, ¡°What does it matter? Let''s just go, I¡¯m halfway curious as to what that man has to say at any rate.¡± We walked alongside many others towards the center of the settlement, as the streets of dirt turned into the central cobbled stone, adobe and thatch being omnipresent in all places. The man stood on the great platform I had seen multiple times before. By how they thundered some nights I assumed they did some of this region''s brutish and ungraceful dancing up there. Like wild beasts, they value the sound of it more than the movements themselves. Even that is wretched in this horrible stretch of land!


    The man counted as fat by the region''s miserable standard, although he was much less so than the people who taught me the hallowed and sacred art. I clenched my teeth as I remembered I possessed less flesh than the man, that I was worse fed than he. Such a thing was disgraceful, and wretched, another thing I had to deal with. The man smiled at the vast crowd, and began a meandering speech, ¡°My people! Has a most treacherous fate not befallen us? That horrible, wretched, and most hateful demon has come! She is no longer content simply taunting us when we leave this settlement. No! she robs us of what we have. Our most precious flesh and blood! Horrible, horrible creature.¡± All agreed immediately, some hoots of victory being let fly. The man continued, ¡°And yet, what are we doing? We sit here and remain idle, while my cousins try to find that horrible creature, and wretched being! Do you fools propose that is what we ought to do! Do we not hail from the fifth and most fierce tribe of all the Qinirehiso? Did our ancestors not fetch ten thousand skulls for their inglorious pagan deities in a single war?¡±


    All in the crowd once more let out victorious hoots of agreement towards them. Sugihu continued his speech, his face transformed into a horrible expression of abject rage, ¡°I say we go and destroy, and find that terrible creature. We can¡¯t destroy her spirit, but we will make it wish she was nothingness! So thoroughly will we tear apart her wretched flesh!¡± Once more hoots of victory rebounded from the audience, including from Qasipeqi. The horn was blown once more and the crowds only increased. It almost seemed as if the temple would be drowned in a sea of people,so much of the town''s population had to be gathered there. A man in the crowd, an old one whom I recall was the one who sold me chickens earlier in the previous day who was now accompanied by a rather young woman. The two looked much alike as she helped him stand up, acting as a stick for him. He screeched out with great fury, ¡°Horrible creature, Huse Napasa! What are we waiting for, let us go and destroy her, even if with sticks and with stones. I remember when I was a little child; the adults drove off that false idol with nothing more. Her flesh is flesh, no matter what its spirit may be, and she can feel pain!¡±


    Sugihu looked at the crowd with joy. I stood in the corner, with utmost ambivalence. It was always funny to see how the crowd was stirred to such action by mere empty wind. Nobody argued otherwise, as debates went back home. It would¡¯ve been had the noise not been so great and annoying, a rolling sea of sound. One child from within the crowd launched a question, one which was not heard. Sugihu made a move with his hands and the crowd felt silent in an astoundingly short amount of time. He smiled at the young thing and asked it even as its mother had just moved to make it keep quiet. He said to it in a questioning tone, ¡°What did you ask, boy. Now, don¡¯t be shy.¡± The child let some words fly, ¡°But how will we find that demon? Please sir, I don¡¯t quite understand! ¡± Sugihus mouth parted into a wide smile, proud and arrogant, ¡°Ah! Such is just the thing which I wished to talk about next!¡±


    He raised his hands and said to them all, ¡°My people! Since it is my own blood who was stolen by that horrible demon, I think it is the entrails of one of my animals whose blood should guide the way. Bring my prized bull, that we may receive an Omen from the good Lord.¡± Qasipeqi raised his hand, alongside a multitude of others. Upon seeing that he proclaimed, ¡°All who wish may go: more hands are always useful!¡± I whispered to both of them, ¡°Why don¡¯t you two go as well? It ought to be useful to know the layout of his home. Go.¡± The group of scattered people, young and old went with great speed. I remained there as the man kept making more meandering speeches. Nothing of worth, simply fodder to keep the fire he lit burning.


    Soon enough, the group of people came over bringing the fierce bull with much difficulty. It was truly a fearsome creature, muscles rippling underneath its dark hide with long and straight horns. I will admit, it reminded me of all the creatures I beheld as they were speared to death in the grand arena, my breath almost left me. Seeing such a glorious beast in this miserable place was strange. Sugihu had prepared a gun, a decent-looking one made of wood with a straight wrought iron barrel. He loaded it with black powder and lit the match in the center. He uttered a loud prayer, ¡°May the good Lord make good work of this grand spirit, this mighty beast. May this sacrifice make him smile upon us!¡± I ought not write more, the beast lay dead without as much struggle as those which were speared as the blood and life left it with astounding quickness. Even more people gathered to make short work of it. Its intestines were removed and all manner of it was seen. Sugihu made some mathematics with some papers he brought up, loudly proclaiming to loud cheers words which I am sure few there understood. It wasn¡¯t much, simply some mathematics based on the movements of the stars. Once Pipo came over to me, returning, I said to him, ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve returned. I ought to say to you, I am surprised by the accuracy of the mathematics and constellations. I never dreamed that these feeble people knew more than counting with their fingers.¡± The acolyte looked to me, nodded and with less skill than his brother uttered, ¡°Of course father.¡±


    The man soon proclaimed, ¡°I know where we ought to go, may the good Lord guide us! By the fat on this beast''s intestine and the shining of the stars.¡± They all yelped in abject joy, and in utter happiness at receiving words from him. All were eager and they said to the man, ¡°Tell us, tell us, when can we go!¡±The man chuckled and said to them, ¡°Easy now, come to us any among you who has a spear, horses and dogs! Come with us, come and prepare yourselves for we ought to ride to face the vile demon!¡± They all yelled in joy and soon enough all of sufficient wealth went to bring objects of their own homes with their own goods and weapons. Qasipeqi stopped for a moment to say to Relino, ¡°Pray for me! Oh, I hope I get to stab that demon. Preferably in the eye!¡± Relino and Pipo sent their regards, expertly hiding any trace of discomfort they still had, ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve no doubt you¡¯ll spill much of her blood!¡± He smiled and nodded to the both of them befores setting off running to wrangle his fathers horses.


    I was with the crowd when a menagerie of people gathered to bring forward a fearsome amount of weapons and guide a great number of beasts. They rode on horses and wielded spears, I even beheld the same shining arquebus in the hands of fierce Sugihu. It brought back horrible memories of our previous failure. How we survived that, I attribute to the will of the divine. I soon said to Pipo and Relino, ¡°I¡¯ll return to our dwelling place. You two stay where people can see you; I don¡¯t want any of you running off to talk to spirits. But at least it''s a less auspicious time.¡± Not my best choice, but I was simply so awfully tired. My body craved sweet sleep above all others things and it wouldn¡¯t befit me to act in an undignified manner.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡­


    Chapter from the Chronicles of Kujumanacali.


    And so fearsome Sugihu prepared himself with a vast menagerie of people.The supreme and exalted Lord, great and wonderful that he is, made the path clear to the people of the town. Sugihu, shepherd of the people, guided them fiercely as they walked through the gaping woods. He said to those who followed him cheerfully, ¡°Don''t¡¯ be quiet! Let us humm a tune as we go to aid our brethren and destroy that horrible beast!¡± Soon the galloping notes were sent, up alongside the galloping winds and the endless combats of the screaming cicadas and the competitive crickets.


    They continued in between the powerful trees, Sugihu recognizing some landmarks from the times when he hunted wild game in the dark woods. They beheld graceful birds up above, looking down and judging them from all sides. The man led the people, guided himself by the calculations he had made based on the bulls intestines and the movements of the stars. He proudly proclaimed to the woods, dark even in the bright light of the hateful sun, ¡°Fearsome demon! I know you are watching us; but know that we will continue no matter if many of us fall.¡± He smirked, ¡°The good Lord protects us all! If not our bodies, then our spirits.¡± Hoots of agreement came from the group as they continued on as dogs helped lead the way.


    So they continued their ride for some more time, they didn¡¯t go in circles or around the land, but rather in a straight line. They left vast amounts of areas without anything more than a cursory check as they continued with powerful horses bringing them around, fierce and powerful beasts. They heard a great cry of joy, putting them all on alert. Sugihus mouth quickly parted into a benevolent if troubled smile as he beheld the man running toward them, suffering no deadly injury. He only had a vast amount of drying scratches with some dark blood oozing from them, ¡°Cousin! It is good to see you, the stars and the intestines didn¡¯t hide the truth or fail to obtain the good lord''s favor! But where is your brother, where is Qisigu?¡±


    Juja took some moments to speak, only letting out nervous mutters. Sugihu said to him in a brisk and harsh tone, ¡°Juja! Respond when someone asks a question. Don¡¯t let your nerves get the better of you! You are human; do not falter down like a wet leaf.¡± Juja soon spoke something which could be understood, ¡°You are right, you are right.¡± After some more breaths he said, ¡°Oh, I am worthless trash!¡± Murmurs were heard from the crowd of both the young and the old gathered on their steeds. Sugihu snarled at them and with a great shout said to them, ¡°Quiet! By all the Qese Rilu, you all sound like old women with your murmurs. Learn to listen before you speak.¡± He looked to his cousin and said to him, ¡°Speak, Juja. We will listen. Explain every detail.¡±


    Juja took some breaths and finally let out words, brisk and fragile yet lengthy, ¡°I will speak. We looked through every place, leaving not one stone unturned or branch without moving. We found the boy.¡± He gulped and prepared to continue as the people gathered grew extremely curious. Only by divine aid did they not let words fly. ¡°He is dead. Dead as any rock, oh, it was the most horrible sight!¡± Only with the strength his departed father had imparted into him through the force of a hundred punishments did he keep tears from leaking from his eyes, ¡°He, well, his bones were laid bare of flesh and hung upon a tree with horrible marks on his white bones, oh but that isn¡¯t even the half of it! It got even more dreadful!¡±


    In spite of the words previously uttered some nameless voices from within those gathered said, ¡°What could that be?¡±, ¡°More dreadful than the desecration of the dead!¡±. Once more Sugihu yelled to all of them as a shepherd does his sheep when they stray from the path, ¡°Quiet, useless fools! Continue on.¡± Juja took some time to rebuild his strength yet continued, ¡°The demon appeared. I didn¡¯t pay much attention to her dreadful, dreadful mocking words but she stoked the anger of my brother. I think she may be Huse Napsa, that dreadful being. She matches both your descriptions and that of our forefathers.¡± Sugihu nodded and ignored the expressions on his followers'' faces as he said, ¡°We were certain of ourselves.¡± Juja continued with only a single quiver, ¡°It let out the most horrible noises, ones which feel like scorpions crawling on one''s back. My horse ran off and I hid behind a tree like a quivering child!¡±


    He let out a nervous chuckle and soon continued, ¡°What more worthless brother has this world ever seen? Oh, if only my father were alive, how furious and disappointed he would be! Oh, look, even my son sees me like this!¡± He chuckled once more, ¡°What a horrible laugh!¡± By this point Sugihu was certain his cousin would begin crying, yet only by sheer force of will Juja continued with that mockery of composure, ¡°I am six years his elder, yet how do I act! Like a screaming child-¡±Sugihu grabbed the man by the hair in a most painful manner and firmly said to him, ¡°Enough of that! Do you think your cries help Qisigu? What is done is done, the past can¡¯t be changed! Learn from it, as the great Saint instructed us and let us vanquish this horrible threat, stand strong before it!¡± He snarled towards the gathered populace and said to them all, ¡°Someone cede their horses to this man! He is still of a glorious bloodline! Don¡¯t any of you dare forget that!¡±


    Emboldened by such words, multiple people got off their horses, furiously arguing. Qasipeqi¡¯s voice tore through the rest, ¡°He ought to ride this horse; It is his in the end.¡± A somewhat older man than he, of about thirty years of age and from a good bloodline said to the young man, ¡°Foolishness! Precisely for that reason he ought not ride that horse; what this moment calls for is a sacrifice. Of course a son ought to sacrifice for his father, the good lord sees that a thousand times over!¡± Another man, of about fifty years of age said to him, ¡°You both are fools! Your steeds are worth nothing. Now this fine horse of mine is descended directly from that great saint saved from the gaping maw of death and brought from far away! Mine he ought to take.¡± Sugihu once more said to all of them, ¡°What are you, little children? If you ought not come to a civilized agreement, I will choose it for you!¡± He took an acorn from one of his pockets with his dark brown hand, one he left behind long before and entirely forgot about. He threw it to the dark woods at an upwards angle as the wind moved it. ¡°There, the old man will be the one to cede his horse. Share a horse with the second one to speak.¡±


    He ignored the man''s cries saying, ¡°I am in no way old-¡± and looked to his cousin. He said to him, ¡°Have you come to your senses? You are of no use to anyone as a shrivelled mess.¡± While still clearly spoked the man nodded after climbing onto the good horse and said to him. ¡°I have, thank you. I¡¯ll guide you to the bones; we can search for my brother from there.¡± Sugihu nodded and proudly said to all present, ¡°Remember it could¡¯ve been worse! The spirit could¡¯ve hollowed out the child of its soul and moved around its living corpse like it does to so many beasts. We ought to mock Kabam for her foolishness and praise the good Lord for his wisdom and cunning.¡± Nods and a few stray hoots of victory were heard, even if they did not remain for very long. It was hard to feel victorious in such a situation, whose horror weighed horribly on all of their minds.


    The rest of the journey was silent as they reached the place where the child had perished, the place where its bones were hanged like a mere ornament. It was a most dreadful sight. Upon seeing it some people in the crowd began to let out gaps or curses. Sugihu began to sing a hymn to Manacali, precious son of Culiqaque and greatest of the seven wandering stars. He would be the one to guide the spirit of the child to the heavens and protect his tree as it grew. Others soon joined him as they continued on their wretched task. The bones were stored within cloth bags. Sugihu said to the vast amount of dogs with them, ¡°Search, search you beasts! Make yourselves useful as the lord intended you to work. You should get the scent from here!¡±


    The dogs did not argue against this, preparing and helping beasts that they were. Great creations made to eagerly serve humanity just as humanity was meant to serve grand Culiqaque. They continued, the dogs stopping once they beheld a pigeon, struck through the heart by a fearsome crossbow bolt. From its corpse thin black tendrils oozed out, like the roots of a horrible tree. It was left clear to all present the demons were truly involved in this horrible situation. Sugihu knew he needed to inspire the peoples spirits and therefore smiled before saying to those present, ¡°That ought to be him, it is just his style. He wouldn¡¯t submit to that horrible being!¡± Nods and hoots of agreement resounded in a matter either nervous or furious from those gathered. Juja nodded and whispered where only his cousin was able to hear, ¡°If only I could be a tenth as brave as him.¡± Sugihu exhaustedly said to him, ¡°Enough of that!¡±


    They continued for some time, the dogs leading them through forking paths as they continued. They caught a glimpse of greater numbers of flapping birds, slithering snakes, and even wretched canines and birds that crawled as tall as half a man. From all places eyes stared back at them. Qasipeqi asked all present, ¡°Are they?¡± Sugihu said to him in a somber manner, ¡°Most likely. Horrible creature. We ought not waste time, it is not too late to fight it. It is not a deity; it is not invincible.¡± He whispered only to himself, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to control such a vast array of creatures.¡± Yet he kept those thoughts entirely to himself. So they continued, everybody present eager for battle, particularly Qasipeqi and those immediately behind him judging by the way they held their fearsome spears.


    As they heard the sounds of distant words Sugihu urged his horse to gallop with a kick. Even the weak kick was enough to get them the beast to push itself, others soon resounding as the dogs struggled to keep up. All were prepared to face the creature, no matter any fear that lurked within their hearts.


    End of Excerpt from the Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepe¡¯s journal


    I¡¯d come out to take a nap under a public trees shade, more pleasant than that of straw or adobe, when the group returned. They looked worn but not much more than a hunting party, not like the wandering soldiers I had beheld multiple times in my life. Wretched men, they always cut open even the beds to obtain meager objects. Nowhere near as scruffed, as starving, or as dishonorable. The great spirits of their ancestors didn¡¯t appear to rage in such a manner as those of such men did, it was clear to me they didn¡¯t outright face a single spirit in a direct manner.


    It was the first time I saw that wretched Qisigu in a while. I hadn¡¯t been able to behold him when he first discovered the wretched fate I imparted upon his spawn. He''s a horrible man, one who made everyone know me as being made up of naught but slothful laziness . Much to my displeasure he carried himself with strength and pride, not the broken husk I wished to find. Even more curiously enough, Qasipeqis father appeared far more shaken than the man whose son I slaughtered. That Juja shook as a young tree being toyed around by the galloping winds. They continued walking wordlessly to the town center even as many others took the horses back to their stables, good creatures who seemed like they could be made into a worthy meal. A few gathered to watch and I heard whispers resounding; the fire had been rekindled to life without a single word.


    I muttered to myself, ¡°Where are Pipo and Relino when I need them? Oh well.¡± I brought myself up using the tree upon whom I had rested for shade. I clenched my teeth in rage due to the weakness of my aging joints. As a note, I ought to begin my plans to ascend as a Lich once I secure a steady source of wealth from the ignorant townspeople. Embezzling funds shouldn¡¯t be too hard once I bring forth a glorious spirit to speak for me and ensnare their minds. I dusted myself off and moved myself to the center of the town, what with its cobbled stones and its wooden platform, with the fearsome tree of that old man this people considered a saint.


    A great deal of people were there, gathered just when the sun began to go downwards on its path. I met up with Pipo and Relino and proudly said to them both, ¡°I trust you two only performed sensible deeds while I was away, eh?¡± Both responded with, ¡°Of course, of course.¡± We were silenced once more by the sound of the vibrant and powerful horn. The one to speak was Qisigu, who said to them all with a strong tone, consciously absent of any great emotion, ¡°My people, fellow prized creations of the Lord of all things! My son has indeed perished.¡± Marks of sympathy came from the people, their hands raised in the symbol of passing and funerary rites, what counted for them in this miserable and horrible land. They know nothing of proper necromantic rituals for the disposition of the dead.


    ¡°It is clear that a terrible demon is upon us. I spoke with her and remained firm; I can say she is none other than the dreadful Huse Napsa. No doubt can exist about that.¡± The elders of the town appeared tainted with terrible, terrible fear. Qisigu nodded and with strength continued, ¡°We¡¯ve heard hunters talk to us about terrible demons; but from my own talks I can say its identity has finally been confirmed. She told me what she wants as well.¡± The crowd appeared greatly curious as Qisigus lips were bent as galloping winged words left him once more with nothing but the most abject hatred and disgust, ¡°Worship. That is what that demon desires, she thinks so little of us that it thinks we will go back to groveling and offering sacrifices to it! Us who know the truth of the cosmos!¡± The man clenched his dreadful hands. The crowd responded favorably to him, hoots of agreement resounding from the fierce crowd.


    Qisigu continued speaking, not halting the flow of his arrogant words, ¡°But I¡¯ve much trust in you. All of you. Who will bow down to that horrible being?¡± And the crowd was sunk in silence, the sounds of crickets overshadowing the words of men. The dreadful man smiled and said with increasing force, to the point it seemed like a parent furiously reprimanding his child, ¡°Even if it destroys all our crops, even if it sends locusts to eat our roofs and clothes, even if it attacks us with swarms of flying scorpions. No matter what, we will never give up and never surrender! Praised be the good Lord, praised be the great saint, praised be the all-powerful Qese Rilu! Praised be the souls that serve them!¡± Great hoots of victory resounded from the populace, similarly pleased and in agreement with the horrible if fearsome man. I would need to deal with him later on if I was to take control; that is, if I didn¡¯t sink him down to the realm of the dead. The spirit I would make would be supreme in reasoning; but who knows if this man could be constrained by such a thing. He was like this even though I reduced his son to a mere shade. I am sure either thing would be easy once I finished my project.


    I wonder. All those people scream praises and fealties to their wretched deities and to their mortal leaders. But how many of them would truly follow them, to face the grim maw of death? I can attest from my own failed gamble, words mean nothing. Nothing at all; actions are the only things of weight. Regardless, it seemed Qisigu had said all he wanted. He moved back on the platform, stiff as a soldier. His wretched cousin, Sugihu, came up and began to speak, ¡°But enough about such horrible creatures, such grim tales! Do not forget; The grim demon Qejonu is dead! His bodies are now rotting bones beneath the ground, he of the ten thousand crosses is vanquished!¡± Juja was the one to finish the conversation, ¡°We¡¯ve still much to celebrate; we¡¯ve still plenty of time before we see the blessed father. Let us host the games of the bones! We¡¯ve plenty from the rituals last night.¡±


    The crowd once more let out hoots of glory and agreement. Relino appeared prepared to begin one of his meandering speeches I''d instructed him in. I groaned loudly and briskly said to him, ¡°Enough about that. What do you want, you useless wretch?¡± Relino didn¡¯t react in any way to my words, damned be his expert control over his own face. He asked with politeness, ¡°Father, we would like to participate in the games. We¡¯ve done so before, most glorious and exalted father. I ask for permission.¡± I shook my head, and continued, ¡°You don¡¯t ever have enough, eh? Fine, I suppose your friend invited you already.¡± By the most miniscule movement on his face I knew that, as is to be expected from me, I was completely correct, ¡°Fine. Go, go and act like a beast.¡± Once they were moving to leave, joy evident on their faces, I murmured to myself ¡°Feeble creatures. Do they just delight in the feeling of blood spurting off their nose, of their knees being roughly scraped by the black earth?.¡±


    I spent the next hour, perhaps two, stenographically recording the basics for the spirit I was to bring forth. Time vanished underneath my passion. I was proved correct soon enough when Qasipeqi and Pipo practically dragged Relino to me, blood through his nose and limping from one foot. The wounds didn¡¯t go down to the bone, or even too deep into his warm flesh. They appeared already patched up in this peoples crude methods. ¡°This is what you so desire, eh young man.¡± I chuckled as I shook my head, ¡°all of you are hopeless.¡± Perhaps in some vain attempt to establish greater prestige for his friend Qasipeqi spoke in this land''s excuse for politeness ignoring my critique of the game , ¡°He played well, helped his team win a pair of games. But the stars were not aligned for his continued victory-¡± I interrupted him, as did lot of elders when it comes to their younger counterparts, ¡°And yet here he stands, flesh torn and blood clearly having left him.¡± I said to the annoyingly blanked faced Relino, ¡°You better not be held down by it! You¡¯ll leave to your brother all your responsibilities?¡± I quickly remarked to Qasipeqi, with utmost pity, ¡°You ought to learn to stop talking back to your betters.¡±


    That was enough to sink the young man into deep guilt. Relino quickly made to defend himself by setting aside the others and standing proudly in spite of the pain. He appeared pained yet continued, ¡°Of course not. It is not as if this is the first time it happened. My sublime father, you have imported to me endurance in body and mind.¡± I wasn¡¯t his father by blood, but the words pleased me. Qasipeqi appeared somewhat ashamed and simply said, ¡°In any case, I hope you feel better by tomorrow my friend. Your wounds don¡¯t seem too deep. But infection¡­¡± Relino said to him with haste and joy, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, all this isn¡¯t much. I¡¯ve no fear of infection, really.¡± Qasipeqi looked as though he remembered something and said, ¡°Really, you played like a beast on the field.¡± He granted the young man some bones, by the look of it coming from a pig''s wrist and a rooster''s skull. ¡°That¡¯s your prize. You¡¯ve been improving too!¡± Relino laughed and said to him, ¡°Truly you flatter me.¡± Qaspeqis face turned into something which blurred the lines between what is serious and what is jest. ¡°It is a shame you didn¡¯t have the means to march with us against that demon! But I don¡¯t think my father would be pleased if I lended horses to others.¡± Relino, wishing to continue the conversation with that young man, spoke with his own hopeful words, ¡°Ah yes, about that, speak to us all about that. Don¡¯t leave us hanging!¡± He chuckled and said, ¡°Did you get to stab her in the eye as you so desired.¡±


    Even I was brought into their conversation at that moment. ¡°Yes,¡± I said to him in a pleasant and agreeable tone, ¡°I would quite like to know how that went. Your uncle was rather sparse on the details. He appeared more focused on emboldening everyone''s loyalty.¡± Qasipeqi didn¡¯t appear much pleased, even though his anger wasn¡¯t directed at us. He kicked the tree, a tiny amount of its thick bark flying off. ¡°Truly, I didn¡¯t get to do much. It is a shame.¡± He looked up towards the sun with a hateful look, ¡°The grief when I beheld my cousin''s bones laid out on a tree like a meal doll was¡­well, I can¡¯t describe it¡± His face turned emotional and both Pipo and Relino expressed sympathy while expertly hiding their guilt, ¡°I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d die so soon.¡± He sighed and whispered to himself, ¡°We all thought the most dangerous part was over. I didn¡¯t even get to say goodbye.¡± I offhandedly remarked, ¡°Few do.¡± He only gave a silent nod as a response.


    He turned his head to one side, ¡°Indeed, if the others weren¡¯t there I¡¯m rather sure I¡¯d have charged blindly as my uncle did.¡± All remained silent, even I knew the value of silence even if I cared nothing for the grief the young man showed. Sympathy was rather counterproductive, and I had long since hammered that flaw away from my being. Relino responded as best he could, ¡°All we can do is stand strong against that, ah, horrible creature. Wretched demon. May we not falter¡± He added after a moment, ¡°I am certain you won¡¯t, Qasi.¡± Qasipeqi nodded and let out a smile towards him, ¡°I am sure you and your family won¡¯t either. You are strong in spirit, that I know.¡± I will admit Relino and even Pipo did a good job hiding their guilt while there was nothing at all for me to hide. As people called him back, Qasipeqi spoke quickly and repeated, ¡°I hope your recovery is quick!¡± And soon, as a flash of lightning, he vanished from our sight.


    The young man went back to the game. I turned to face Pipo and arrogantly said to him, ¡°What about you? Do you also desire continued probability of having your feeble frame damaged.¡± He simply responded to me without great emotion, ¡°No, it was a pleasant game though. In spite of what happened to Relino.¡± The three of us sat there for some time, as I stenographically recorded my journal and my outlines for the spirit. It is best to make good use of the light of day, a gift from the glorious and precious sun. They exchanged meaningless chatter. I stood up as the light began to fade and journeyed back to our miserable settlement soon enough, ¡°Come with me, I¡¯ve grown bored of observing these feeble fools injure themselves.¡± As I walked back I ranted out to them my own glorious thoughts, ¡°Truly I fault to grap why anyone would ever delight in such games. There were some like them in our homeland, I don¡¯t suppose you remember.¡± I shook my head and remarked, ¡° I hated them too¡±


    Once we reached the dwelling place I laid my back on the cruel adobe walls, by this point cooling due to the waning light of the sun. Even from here I could hear the resounding sounds of the horn as people received the last talisman bones. Useless trinkets that people have, not even properly mummified. I threw the small bones that he¡¯d received into the basket and sighed. I said to them, ¡°Prepare a meal, I am absolutely famished. Be quick, I am not feeling particularly patient today.¡± Both of them nodded and responded, ¡°Of course, of course.¡± I rolled my eyes and rested on the walls, slowly falling asleep in spite of the residual sounds ringing in my ears.


    I was shaken awake by Pipo, or at least pulled from my state that blurred the line between the world of those who wake and those who dream. ¡°I got your message the first time, foolish young man,¡± I snarled as he shook me repeatedly, ¡°There is no need to shake me like a sack of potatoes. Show more respect.¡± Pipo bowed and said to me, ¡°Of course, please forgive me. The food is ready.¡± I grumbled as I stood up and moved over to the places where the food was served on miserable plates of baked clay, ¡°Hunger is the best sauce. Perhaps even this will taste good with how we''ve been fasting through this day.¡± A part of me mentally noted that it was nothing compared to when we wandered away from that wretched city.


    I was proven entirely incorrect as I consumed the coarse fare of some amaranth gruel mixed with watery beans and a few feeble tortillas. I shook my head as I ate, ¡°A wretched meal, is this not? Horrible, coarse. I am thankful for the shades of my ancestors. It won''t be too long until these wretched people bow to me.¡± I shook my head, ¡°Truly, everyone in this whole town will be made better. When has a greater mind than mine ever existed?¡± Proving himself not entirely devoid of brain matter, his skull not entirely hollow, Pipo spoke his useless thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s not quite too bad,¡± he said as we ate, ¡°At least it is better than having nothing. We had too much of that four years ago.¡± Relino silently nodded in response, but stopped briskly once he saw the look on my face.


    I clenched my teeth in great rage as I asked him, ¡°Oh, you are feeling rather thoughtful today, aren¡¯t you?¡± For a moment Pipo wasn¡¯t sure of what the question was and continued without looking at my face, too focused on the useless meal, ¡°I am not sure if I understand?¡± I let out a brisk smile, one which wasn¡¯t pleasing to the eye, ¡°Inane fool, you ought to make me believe you with that? You are attempting to claim my judgement is unsound.¡± He realized that he had inquired my just rage and therefore began to stumble over his words, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to argue against you father; It was but a thought. Please, forgive me.¡± Before I could utter any other words Relino joined his fellow acolyte, his brother, and said to me with foolishness. Unlike the fool he knew what was going on, more able at reading faces and words was he, and arrogantly proclaimed, ¡°Was he wrong?. This nourishment may be coarse, but it is plentiful. Truly, like the whole of this life. Rough, but not unbearable. Was it truly¡­?¡± His words faltered soon enough, his attempt at playing the brave one failed.


    This incited my rage and great gnashing of teeth as I said to them with scarlet rage woven into my words, ¡°What do any of you know? You were but useless children when we left that country. So what if this is better than the miserable fate we led after being chased out of that city like dogs.¡± I tossed the plate aside and said, ¡°Hunger, the greatest sauce, makes this only palpable, not even slightly good! I know you are lousy cooks but even the greatest in that hallowed art would struggle with this.¡± Relino moved to speak but I said to him, ¡°Now you, little lying scorpion, you are the last one who possesses the right of speech. Speaking with wild spirits behind my back, I am sure you are just waiting for me when I die! Now be quiet, finish your feeble meals and let us go to sleep once that is done. Perhaps that will make all of you think, truly think, again.¡±


    Only nods of approval were sent my way as they finished emptying their plates. Once the coarse and miserable fare was consumed we each prepared for sleep. There were no fiery lights to turn off, only the glorious sun lit our path. I uttered a quick prayer to that being before the sun left the sky, before the moon rose up into the sky. They were the same being; what this barbarians thought mattered not. Such scornful thoughts filled my head before sweet sleep grabbed ahold of me.

 Chapter Six

    Sanu Nepe¡¯s Journal


    I met up with that spirit a few days after the sacrifice I performed. I will admit that I didn¡¯t quite expect the town''s festivities to last for so long, it seemed to me like they brought them out of nowhere of substance. But soon enough life went back to the mind-numbing, coarse, and horrible state they had been in. I wandered for my part. I left my miserable home proudly heading for the woods, I had no need to bring my Acolytes with me this day. I wished to meet with that being without Relinos silvered tongue interrupting. Of course, as was proper, I prepared a meager offering for that inglorious spirit before attempting to meet it.


    As was to be expected, no such goods existed in our miserable household. I remember that, rather opportunely, I was approached by a wandering vendor. He said to me in a cutting sort of manner, ¡°Why, my good sir, it is good to see you! No more lazing about eh, walking is good for the spirit!¡± I nodded along and said to him between gritted teeth, ¡°Yes, I agree with you. Now, I see you¡¯ve got some game with you.¡± He looked at the still living small animals on a cage mounted in his back, scaly critters with horns coming out of their heads, and said to me, ¡°Ah, they are no wild game. I had this lineage even from before I was exiled! They¡¯re good, I assure you.¡± Upon seeing my gaze he simply said, ¡°Qejonu. You know how it is. Better here than crucified, innit!¡± He muttered something to himself, it appeared a curse to the aforementioned deity, but I heard little more.


    I nodded along with him, ¡°I suppose. How much for one of those creatures, eh?¡± He smiled joyfully at me and said to me, ¡°Oh, not much, I dare say six cigars.¡± I looked at the creatures, and with an entirely serious tone said, ¡°I doubt that. I¡¯ll give you two.¡± He spoke once more in a conniving and accusatory tone, ¡°Now, I understand you¡¯re a miser, but don¡¯t be shy. Creatures like this aren¡¯t gifts from heaven-¡± I ignored his little game and in a bored manner said to him, ¡°Let''s leave it at four. I am not going to entertain these games with a fool. It is not as if the forests are devoid of animals.¡± He chuckled at that, ¡°Someone slept badly today! Well, I agree to your terms, miserable man!¡± The monetary exchange was completed. The knife drained the beast of life and blood without much ado, it was poured on the streets dirt road and fell on some weeds. All the markings of barbarians. Soon my impatient being disappeared from the town.


    People once more set to work on the fields, I observed some of them as I calmly walked through the rings of flourishing crops. Corns stalks aimed for the sky alongside vines of beans and a few scattered fruit trees had flourishing vegetation. I shuddered to think of the smell of the leaves as they rotted. A few even flowered at this time of year, really in this land, time was strange. Some plant or another was always flowering or bearing fruit, but that was one of the least troubles I faced here in my abject and absolute misery.


    I climbed through the rocky highlands soon enough, and settled into a relatively quiet stretch of trees. Once I reached the place I got to work starting a burning flame. I had a bit of skill in that due to brutal necessity. The fire soon began to burn as I laid the corpse on the hot stones. The skin was still warm and had been none too hard to remove. I said to the forest, to the towering majestic trees that arched for the sky as the clouds galloped across heaven, ¡°Show yourself. It is time you fulfill your end of the bargain, old spirit.¡±


    It took some time but the smell of my burning fire eventually attracted piercing eyes, many pairs. Soon, many vanished and only a few were left, staring from the four cardinal directions. By that I knew it wasn¡¯t anyone other than Huse Napasa, ¡°Singled me out didja? Do others view me as your property now?¡± The lying spirit responded to me, ¡°Of course not, my dear and most valued friend. I would never claim ownership over you. And ah, you forgot the Comal. Again.¡± It led out disapproving clicks from its beak. It appeared to possess the same bird''s body as it had the prior times, a bipedal one even though winged ones flapped above. I shrugged and said to her dismissively, ¡°I forgot. What does it matter? I¡¯ll give you this to eat, that ought to be enough. Damned glutton. No, I think it is time you fulfill the obligations you agreed to.¡±


    It snorted and said to me sarcastically, ¡°It won¡¯t be of any use to you, but sure! I¡¯ll show it to you. I will say, you took long enough to come and claim it. I almost thought you¡¯d forgotten.¡± I threw pieces of the creature''s flesh and said to it feigning a serious tone, ¡°There was quite the ruckus. Don¡¯t act ignorant, I know full well they chased you down. I couldn¡¯t forget, not with how much they talked about it. ¡± It responded to me cheerfully, ¡°With little success! They only found me because I showed myself to them.¡± I threw more flesh at it and sighed before saying to it with sternness, ¡°I am sure.¡± We remained in silence for some time. I was curious to see the spirits'' reactions and so said to it, curiously, ¡°They all laughed at you, you know. All mocked you at least.¡± The muscles of the beast it possessed went rigid even as it remained peacefully quiet, ¡°You know,¡± I arrogantly said to it, ¡°of all the propositions you gave to them. A pity, isn¡¯t it?¡°


    ¡°Enough,¡± It proclaimed with proud rage that almost made me believe the noble claims it made when we first met, ¡°I already know everything those moronic people say.¡± I asked it, truly only for confirmation, ¡°Oh, do you? You¡¯ve eyes everywhere in the town.¡± It nodded at me, only pride glimmering. Soon it opened its beak in a mockery of a smile as it stood up, and mockingly proclaimed, ¡°Follow me, it is time you prove the determination and talent you claim to have!¡± I ignored my emotions and followed the beast as it laid out a path for us. There was nothing to clearly mark it, but my mind was clear and agile. That is why I remembered every twist and turn so that I may come here once more without help. So sublime is my mind.


    ¡°Here it is,¡± the spirit said once we reached an utterly inconspicuous stretch of land, ¡°Here is the piece of the dead god.¡± To the eye, it looked as though nothing was strange or special about the territory. The trees grew peacefully as small plants struggled in the underbrush. The galloping winds toyed playfully with the branches as they¡¯d always done. I knelt down to the floor and brought my head and mouth into contact with the earth. My tongue tasted the underbrush, and from there I managed to connect with the network of divine tendrils, that glorious mycelium that danced out it. I spent some time doing that and soon stood up. ¡°It seems you aren¡¯t lying, spirit.¡±


    It didn¡¯t respond to my remark and instead commented after a giggle, ¡°It looks strange, seeing a human do that. You necromancers are a weird bunch, I¡¯ve only seen a few dozen witches do what you just did.¡± I scowled at that, ¡°That is because these people are ignorant. That is all. All civilized groups have castes of people who do this.¡± It didn¡¯t appear faced either way by my words, although it did open its beak in a mockery of a laugh to say, ¡°As you say. What now?¡± I looked down at the ground, ¡°What haven¡¯t I got to do? Gods aren¡¯t created easily. That I promise you.¡±


    ¡­


    The spirit left after a while, it wasn¡¯t much interested in seeing my rambled writings and speeches. I managed to begin on a basic framework in that brutish and physical manner, upon which I ought to build the rest. It was essentially teaching the fungal mass a language, something I ought to work on later. Then I¡¯d be able to do this verbally, limiting my licking of the ground as a means used to check my work.


    ¡­


    I returned to my own dwelling place in high and joyful spirits. I felt the same as when I had first spoken with the spirit. So far away did that seem now. Glorious life! Relino and Pipo were there when I entered our dwelling place. There was a small fire they¡¯d built up as the sun began to remove its sublime rays from the face of this earth. They both stood up to greet me and bowed as was proper. I smiled smugly upon seeing that, I suppose my acolytes hadn¡¯t entirely forgotten their places.


    Relino made a move to speak but with a single finger I denied his request and procured quiet silence. Beautiful and intangible things! In that I began, ¡°No questions from you two. But oh! What a most glorious day! Guess, simply guess, what have I achieved on this beautiful and bright day?¡± Relino guessed correctly before letting his brother speak, ¡°Procured a shred of Qejonus'' corpse from that spirit?¡± Pipo repeated those words like the blind parrot he was.


    I scowled at the fact that I wouldn¡¯t be able to continue holding on to these glorious thoughts for much longer. In something between a jest and genuine rage I questioned them, ¡°Oh, now, how did you two guess correctly, eh? Something you want to tell me?¡± Pipo answered in the stead of his brother and apologized, ¡°Pardon us. We simply assumed it was so with how focused we¡¯ve been on that goal. We didn¡¯t mean to upset you.¡±


    I soon swallowed up my rage. It was always so fierce, so cutting, and so unexpected. Perhaps one day I¡¯d finally tame it. For now, I managed to push it to the side, ¡°Well, you two are correct. Our project will begin soon enough. It¡¯s been a while since we last did one.¡± I stopped in quiet contemplation for a moment. What a joke for a necromancer, what a waste of my talent, I had spent years, well over a thousand full days, without bringing a single being into existence. Pipo pulled me out of these thoughts with his jesting remark, ¡°Who could ever forget that?¡± Relino agreed with him and simply said, ¡°May the shades of our ancestors favor us this time.¡±


    I nodded and said to them commandingly, ¡°You ought not forget that above all things you two are to help me with the hallowed art. This unfortunate situation we find ourselves in will not change that at all.¡± Both of them nodded. ¡°And so,¡± I continued, ¡°You two ought to help me fix some minor errors in the running and functioning of the creature.¡± Both of them nodded once more. If there was frustration within them, I didn¡¯t see any bubbling on the surface. Not even Pipo, who was usually so easy to read. Pipo asked briskly and without much emotion, ¡°When?¡±


    I looked at him with a fierce gaze as if prompting him to continue. He caught on and said to me, ¡°Father, forgive us, we simply wish to know how to plan this alongside our current duties as farmhands.¡± Relino, that silver-tongued fool added to that, ¡°But of course, our duties to you go first.¡± I gave it some thought, brief but agile as my thought always is, ¡°The sun has never been a good judge for sleep. Humanity is meant to rise beyond the movements he makes across the sky. You''ll spend all but a few hours after your jobs on it; is it not as if that duty needs light. Understood?¡± Neither of them argued against me, but I received no answer from them. Pipos expression wasn¡¯t of anger, but it was of similarly unpalatable dread. I once more said, ¡°I believe I asked; understood?¡± Both of them quickly responded to me in those words, eager to please me.


    The meal, as usual, was a miserable affair. I consumed it with haste, devouring it with the ever-patient help of a wooden spoon. I swallowed the amaranth, the tortillas, and everything else that was there. It was coarse, it was miserable, it was repetitive. It only helped embolden me for the final moment when I would ascend. Back when we starved like animals after leaving the wretched city I¡¯d not been able to realize my fall, but my mind had wallowed in its sublime thoughts long enough. My dream was born and fixed, to become ruler and eventually god to these miserable people and many others. Achieving immortality without anyone else''s help. ¡°Let us go,¡± I said, ¡°We start today.¡± Neither of them dared to argue otherwise.


    ¡­


    It was a good enough working session, I suppose. It is growing hard to keep my patience in check, truly, when victory seems a real, solid thing in front of me now. The two of them seem surprisingly adept at still manipulating the mycelium itself, even without any other interfaces. The two were chosen from the best the gods judged, I suppose, the best available for the art and from good lineagues. I had forgotten that in their time of inaction. Our time of inaction. We stopped after a few hours. The three of us do need some sleep after all, we aren¡¯t deathless gods. I felt at the same time worsened and better as I laid down on the coarse floor. How strange and fickle of a thing life is.


    ¡­


    The days blurred together after that, if I am being honest with myself. I finally had something to occupy myself with a true project to devote my life and time into, just as I had been trained and taught to do when I was younger. I finally managed to get a working language working, a crude one, but a language nonetheless. That brought me much pleasure.


    I smiled and commented to Relino one night, ¡°This god''s corpse is more well-suited to this than I thought. I didn¡¯t think the gods of this land were quite so good for this.¡± Relino saw my pleasant demeanor and thought it fit if he spoke his thoughts, ¡°Well, it is not as though we tried it out multiple different times.¡± I looked up into the starry heavens, beautiful, only slightly obscured by the rain-bearing clouds. An astounding sight.


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right. Wretched city.¡± I smiled widely at both of them and said to them both, ¡°Ah! But there is no need to worry about such things any more. Yes, I¡¯ve got everything planned, through and through. This misery will end soon.¡± Pipo and Relino didn¡¯t appear to be the utmost enthusiastic about this, but that was fine. Yes, it was fine, so long as they continued working. In the end, what else mattered? How else would the value of a person be measured?


    ¡­.


    The miserable people were deeply shaken by the presence of that spirit, Huse Napasa. It was rather curious, it had only done a single truly damaging thing and nobody could help but think of it. To present evidence to this; those sermons of theirs. They grow more frequent, more numerous and more agitated. They call them councils but truly few conversations occur there. And when they do, they are anything but civil. I suppose it is good the barbarians have a manner of civilized organization; they ought to respond to threats in some way.


    Still, as I was once more shaken awake by my acolytes after a night of work such thoughts were hard to entertain. ¡°By the shades of our ancestors,¡± I muttered, ¡° why must these accursed people gather at hours so early?¡± Pipo sympathetically said to me, ¡°I agree with you father; but it is the way of the land. We ought to do what is asked of us.¡± I muttered a quote, half-remembered, from an old text, ¡°Where you go, do as they do.¡± PIpo didn¡¯t quite hear my quiet mutter and asked me, ¡°Pardon?¡± I scowled at the young man and said, ¡°Help me up will you?¡± He helped me up and I asked, ¡°Is breakfast ready? If I am one thing right now, it is starving.¡±


    Relino was the one to answer such a question, ¡°Of course father, I hope you don¡¯t hate it too much.¡± I tried to walk over to it but once I sat down I forgot to grab a spoon and I simply stared at the broth for some time. I struggled to shake the thing I knew I had to do with it from my mind. ¡°Father?¡± Pipo and Relino asked with genuine worry, ¡°Are you alright?¡± I scowled at the both of them as they handed me a spoon, ¡°Of course I am!¡± The food was miserable, I can''t count myself surprised on that front, even if worry seeped through the others.


    My mind was rather addled, perhaps I had spent too much time on the project. I was worried though, other older people labored for countless hours back in my homeland. They were much older than me, and human in nature rather than divine. Regardless I ignored those worries, pushing them down as I did most things within my wretched life. I stood up, Pipo and Relino joining me once I finished the palatable if crude meal.


    ¡°Come, you were the ones arrogantly lecturing your betters. We ought to go to the place where they host those sermons of theirs.¡± Both of them simply responded, ¡°Of course, of course.¡± It was a quiet enough journey, not a very distant one. Sugihu and Qisigu had declared this day of rather hefty importance due to some relatively unimportant religious event in the distant past. Something about a key battle with the Ojotillas in ancient times, when that order was still new. Many were gathered within the little town''s square. People shuffled nervously around the square, a woman came up to talk to me. I recalled her in a blurry sort of way, like a shadow through fog. I think she¡¯s a neighbor, but I rarely talk to her.


    ¡°Most dreadful times we¡¯re living it, innit?¡± I looked at her without much desire to talk but in order to preserve cordiality said to her, ¡°I suppose so. The demons are very active lately, that much I hear.¡± She nodded, eyes darting all around, ¡°Yes! Oh, my mother isn¡¯t speaking about anything else. Every night, every wretched night that demon whispers in her ears. She can¡¯t even move to see her form!¡± Pipo rudely commented his own opinions, that arrogant young man, ¡°At the very least, the crops are still growing. It doesn¡¯t seem to want to kill us.¡± Upon seeing her face he sheepishly added, ¡°At least not a large amount of us. It could do so easily.¡±


    She pursed her lips and asked with naught other than the deepest fear, ¡°Oh, is it truly so mighty?¡± I said to the woman in a nonchalant manner, ¡°I can¡¯t be sure, but I¡¯ve seen what these old creatures can do. Their ranges aren¡¯t large, but it seems this demon has weaved itself around this whole town.¡± She blinked and asked, perhaps to distract herself, ¡°Where do you come from?¡± I answered her with rapid haste but in an entirely calm and uncaring manner, ¡°Oh, from northern lands. Beyond Qiniserugelu,¡± I made a dismissive hand gesture, ¡°You ought not have heard of our settlement.¡± I weaved the lie. That ship originally left us far north of here, but we¡¯d moved away from it down to the more southern lands. Morbidly she kept questioning me, ¡°What happened there, if you don¡¯t ask me?¡±


    I¡¯d done my best to expunge such times from my mind, but I might as well answer. By now I¡¯d realized they¡¯d remain with me forever, so I might as well treat them casually, ¡°The demons quarreled for some petty reason.Oh, the children there were starved down to the bone. Living skeletons, that¡¯s what they seemed like! Not that the adults were any better¡± I asked Pipo, genuinely this time, ¡°Why were they all so lacking in clot again. I¡¯ve done my best to forget those times.¡± No greater humiliation existed for me than wandering just like those fools. The fact that it made this miserable existence of mine seem like a life worthy of kings and gods was nothing short of terrifying. He simply responded, ¡°The locusts-they¡¯d eaten everything. The straw on the roofs, the clothes. Weevils had eaten all the grain.¡± Relino was the one to comment this time, ¡°The weevils didn¡¯t taste too bad. When they were worms that is. Helped us get by.¡± I nodded as I scratched myself to get some muck in between my skin, ¡°Most dreadful, most dreadful. Most left for other places, as we did, or died. Oh, at least we realized what was happening. It isn''t as though corn can sprout legs when it doesn¡¯t like a place!¡±


    The woman appeared somewhat unnerved by this information, fiddling with her own hair, ¡°This other man I asked said a similar thing. You opened up much quicker than he did.¡± I shrugged, ¡°I see no point in hiding it. The man that walked through those lands might as well have been a different one; I choose to separate myself from that one.¡± Truly, I am surprised my frame remained human after all that. Thank the shades of the ancestors for my brilliant plot to sacrifice some barbarians to their heathenous deities, otherwise we¡¯d all have surely perished. To let my brilliant mind go to waste is unthinkable in the extreme.


    The woman nodded as though she understood, and with a tired and fearful voice asked, ''Do you-Do you think perhaps it may happen to us?¡® I was not capable of answering her question as resounding musical instruments came from within the church as a small but highly organized group of people, picked from the top of the strange and unfamiliar caste system these people had, marched. The music was loud and brutish as always and it seemed to me as though it was attempting to wrestle control of the people minds with naught other than beastly strength


    Sugihu, Qisigu, and Juja all came above the platform. The first one to speak was Sugihu, ¡°My good friends, let us offer a chant of thanks to the good lord before we begin this council!¡± It was a song like the earlier ones, horrible and brutish. Nevertheless, being in such an event brought me back when I was but an acolyte myself and had one I called father. Much lesser was he than me, even in those days, those glorious days where I shined like a vibrant star.


    They finished soon enough, and Sugihu said to them all pleasantly, ¡°Now! Everyone comes with their questions or concerns. Proclaim them for all to hear! This is a council after all, and harvest season is upon us!¡± There were great murmurs within the crowd as none seemed quite sure of who was to speak.


    One old woman was the first to speak, ¡°Oh, glorious young man! Please, we¡¯re frightened! That dreadful demon; it is everywhere.¡± The old woman said no more. While brief the words were entirely charged with intensely powerful emotion, the kind that tears its way into the unrpearedes hearts without difficulty. More words soon came from this, varied and many. The deluge gates had been opened.


    ¡°Our children will be reduced to bone!¡±, somebody shouted, a nameless voice, to which another responded, ¡°No you fool; that beast learned her lesson. The gluton won¡¯t even give bones for funerals!¡± More voices chattered, ¡°Oh, I heard that the dread idol Nolina said she¡¯ll put all the demons in their ancestral thrones.¡± Another voice resounded, that of a grieving grandfather, filled with emotion, ¡°My daughter found her child dead in a crib! Choked on a toy! Do you propose to be an accident? It will pick us all off, the very young and old!¡± A voice responded, ¡°Oh, what can we do? Charge into the depths of the forest to fight the demon? Again? ¡± Another person, this time a relatively young woman let fly winged words, ¡°My beautiful daughters skin was covered in blisters and pus! Babes die all the time, but she was seven, she ought to have lived! That demon, I tell you, is everywhere. Who here has had it whisper to them in some critters form? Who hasn¡¯t had it steal objects of value? I say we rise up!¡± Multiple hands responded from within the crowd. I doubted the demon was responsible for the baby''s death, but the second one was in line with what a spirit can do.


    Another man from within the crowd, the one who had sold me the beasts some few weeks ago said with utmost emotion, ¡°You inane fools! Are you all insane? You underestimate the demons profusely; there is a reason the heathens worship them!¡± His voice eventually managed to overpower the others as he continued, ¡°Oh, they are cowards and they know that. They never fight fair. It¡¯s not just the big ones like dread Qejonu, endless dishonor be upon him! As I led my family into this little settlement I came across horrible, miserable people! Buildings destroyed by locusts and termites! Fields decimated by blight! What ought we do, eh? I say we run when it strikes! Then it won¡¯t have anyone to play with, then we¡¯ll be able to live!¡± A man from within the crowd responded to him, ¡°Miserable coward! You¡¯re but a foreigner; you think you got the right to order us around? We drove her out once; we¡¯ll drive her out again! Did the lord not call for servitude.¡± That man responded to the other as they got closer and arched ready for combat, ¡°The good Lord needs the service of both the living and the dead. These demons aren¡¯t all-powerful! Use your wits-that¡¯s what separates us from beasts! Run, run, I say!¡±


    Sugihu and Juja desperately attempted to calm the commotion. It was an absolute failure, their voices were like mere wind crashing against the walls of a great and proper castle of wood or stone. They even blew the horn that had calmed the people so many times before, but while some went quiet it only emboldened the previous conversations of some. The three whispered some things to each other which no one could hear. The people down below had begun to fight one another with fists and arched rocks, so I moved back. I had no desire to get involved in such brutish combat. I debated simply leaving the place entirely but some morbid curiosity got the better of me.


    It appeared that the two then attempted to restrain Qisigu, a wretched and horrible man, but utterly failed at that as well. He took with him a great staff and went down from the wooden platform where some people engaged in fights. He struck multiple people in the back and legs with the terrible club, groans of pain resounding. All moved back and silence was finally achieved. It is then that he said, ¡°Inane fools! You argue and yell at one another like a headless chicken! Are you beasts, or are you civilized men.¡± Few dared to answer such a terrible question. The vendor eventually spoke up, ¡°Is it civilized to try and face what can never be faced? Is it uncivilized to try and make fools come to reason? The demon has learned its lesson long ago; it will not hesitate to destroy us all through plague and famine!¡±


    Qisigu responded to the man, the staff in his hands a silent threat to all who might dare interrupt their conversation. He nodded and pleasantly said, ¡°And you propose that you can avoid the will of the Lord? If he desires that we die; then we do. We are not beasts to be given free reign; to us he has greater, better purposes.¡± Hoots emanate from the crowd, nervously at first, but with more strength after some time. The man clenched his teeth and said, ¡°I¡¯ve nothing to say to that, inane fool! But I won¡¯t be staying here if that demon decides to utilize its abilities in the proper and devastating manner instead of fooling around!¡± He made some mutterings about their blindness and walked away towards the back of the crowd alongside a few who sympathized with him. Yet the fear kept clenching the head of every man and woman present.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    All in all the atmosphere around the entire area was one which no longer had searing rage in the foreground; but it was by no means a peaceful one. It brought back distant memories of arching pillars of wood, of crowds of people, of the high and beautiful mountains looking over us all like benevolent parents. Far more uniform and icy than these endless hills. Was it truly only ten years since that era? It felt like a lifetime had come and gone.


    Regardless, it was hard to believe that only a few moments before the men had been battling on another like beasts. Sugihu nervously said to them all, ¡°Well-my good friends! Let us revise some of the notes of the grand saint, eh? Put this all behind us.¡± And so it was done. Yet everyone seemed distracted, even more than these brutes usually were, like scattered fish hopping over a river. It felt equal parts fast and slow. I barely noticed what it was about; nothing other than the very vaguest pieces of information.


    As we felt I made a winged joke to Pipo and Relino, ¡°What a most funny meeting! So much action; more in a few moments than people usually have in months!¡± They laughed, in the cut and rough sort of way they usually faked. Very rarely did genuine laughter leave their mouth.


    ¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s your plan?¡± Such words were what I asked that wretched spirit Huse Napasa, the next time I saw it, ¡°You are not a genius; but you are not so foolish as to think this people will eagerly bow before you.¡± It opened its beak in the mockery of a laugh, ¡°Why, my friend! I don¡¯t get your question.¡± I clenched my teeth in rage, ¡°You delight in infuriating me, do you?¡± No words left it but the open beak was enough to make my decision.


    ¡°Look,¡± I frankly said to her, ¡°Goddess, demon, spirit, whatever anyone thinks of you. I simply wish to know; I don¡¯t want to stick around once you unleash plague and death upon this village.¡± She let out a mocking laugh, her other bodies joining her in the afternoon shade of the trees, ¡°I am afraid you fail to understand. These are my people, and I still care for them. I would never do such a thing.¡±


    I clenched my teeth once more, ¡°You expect that I believe that? You were only too happy to tear apart the frame of one of their children. You abhor their religion; and I assume their leaders after the recent incident¡± She spoke brutishly, with anger lacing her tone, ¡°I am afraid you are the one who doesn¡¯t understand, heathen.¡± It calmed itself quickly enough, ¡°What I meant to say; I don¡¯t care what your homelands deities do. But in the land where the Ojotilla reign supreme, there is no greater act of love than sacrifice. Willing or not. And what sacrifice is greater than that of a life? As for their leaders and religion; I think I¡¯ve come up with a way to destroy them both.¡±


    I was entirely uninterested in that, ¡°These people clearly don¡¯t care about that. Clearly they don''t think so. You¡¯ve been getting around. You oughta know how much they abhor you. But truly! You¡¯re on a great path to destroy their religion!¡± She didn¡¯t allow any emotion to grace her being, instead continuing, ¡°They¡¯d abhor you too, if they knew.¡± Cold fear draped itself over me and squirmed horrible in my back, but it wriggled away as soon as it had come. I let out a booming laugh and said, ¡°You think they¡¯ll believe you? I¡¯ve heard from others what you whisper to them as they sleep. No one will believe anything you say.¡± I obtained a small victory there, the bird once more lost composure for a singular moment.


    It opened its gaping maw once more and resounding laughter left it, ¡°But is this whole conversation not engaged with hypotheticals.¡± I clenched my teeth once more, ¡°Would you perish if you gave a clear answer, eh?¡± It spoke in a clear and vibrant tone, ¡°Friend. I think you ought to, ah, do as others do. Like you muttered just this morning! Be good as other clergymen are, not to any except your deity; know my plans will benefit all.¡± I grew cold at that. I¡¯d always considered the possibility that it listened to my conversations; but there simply was something else when it simply gloated and proudly rubbed its power in my face. ¡°I¡¯ve no plan to kill a lot of them, these fools ought to realize that one day.¡± I frowned yet it continued the conversation unimpeded, ¡°It will take time, but I know I¡¯ll succeed. All thanks to your brilliant plot!¡±


    My eyes narrowed at that, ¡°Did you not hate it? Call it meaningless.¡± It bowed before me, ¡°It took time, but I see I was foolish now. In time; your plan''s greatness will be shown to all. Things even you didn¡¯t realize made it glorious.¡± A dozen gaping maws opened in unison from the flying birds of the trees, ¡°Ah, but friend. If there is one thing the both of us have, it is time.¡± It didn¡¯t stay much longer after that, and I felt no desire to call it. It unnerved me more than it ought to.


    ¡­


    Excerpt of the Chronicles of Kujuamancali, gathered from Juja, Qisigu, and Sugihu. Composed by the rest of the grand apostles.


    ¡°What ought we do,¡± Juja glumly said as they ate dinner together, the three of them alone, ¡°How are we to handle this mess.¡± Sugihu eagerly said to them all, ¡°Everything is not so far lost! Did we not call the crowd?¡± Juja glumly ate his bread, ¡°And what of it? Placing sod where brick should go. They are scared,¡± he laughed once more, ¡°And you know what? So am I.¡±


    Qisigu spoke before Sugihu could say anything, ¡°I agree with my brother, at least in a way. This is something to be afraid of.¡± Sugihu said to him, ¡°Not you with these useless thoughts as well! What use will it be if all we do is lounge around and neglect our duties?¡± He narrowed his eyes on his cousin and said, ¡°When did I say we ought to do such a thing?¡± Sugiu opened his mouth so as to speak but couldn¡¯t muster anything worthwhile to say and simply muttered, ¡°I apologize.¡±


    Qisigu ignored him and instead said, ¡°This demon is dangerous; we know that much. There is no fear that ought to be found in death, if the lord desires it so, even if we can¡¯t help it. But I¡¯m not certain this creature wants to eliminate this quaint town.¡± Juja was the one who seemed defensive this time, ¡°And from whence do you reason all this? Do you take that demon''s words as law! It is foolish, it tells you nothing but lies. Sugihu looked at the walls, at the trees searching for the starry heavens beyond the windows, at the dog and goblin sleeping peacefully, and said, ¡°If you are listening, empty idol, know that to be true.¡± Both Qisigu and Juja muttered, ¡°Of course it is listening.¡±


    Coming back to the prior subject Qisigu indeed nodded with him and continued with his talk, ¡°I entirely agree with you. But its actions lend some credence to what it spoke, in some kind of manner. It said to me it wished to rule over us as a goddess-some moronic claim extended over us due to some old demon.¡± Sugihu grimmly chuckled at that, ¡°As if we would care about that.¡± He nodded and continued between bites, ¡°It said to me that it wished to break our spirit. That feeble creature claims to know all about people. Hmph. As if we will ever submit.¡± That brought some chuckles to him.


    It took him a while to notice he was the only one laughing within the room. Juja and Relino appeared none to entertained by this. Juja judgmentally asked, ¡°And can we say it truly failed?¡± This enraged Qisigu, ¡°Did you see one person there who wished to worship and honor that thing? Name one, and I¡¯ll agree with it.¡± Once he received silence he said to them, ¡°Such is what I thought. In some way or another; our will survives.¡±


    Qisigu wished to lighten the mood after those grim conversations and asked the two of them, ¡°You two still have living children. How are they?¡± Sugihu was the first to speak. The composed man shrugged and said, ¡°They¡¯re healthy, that¡¯s all I can ask for. They understand nothing of this, they are all still young. Not even old enough to help in the harvest.¡± Juja was the one to continue, ¡°I can¡¯t face him well. My wife has been pestering me about this, and for good reason. Sometimes I feel as though in a matrimony the Qese Rilu divide good sense very unequally.¡±


    He sighed at that.


    ¡°He behaved more bravely than me that morning. How am I to deal with that? My pride is shattered beyond belief.¡± Both of them had come to realize Juja was too far dug into that hole of his, and so all Qisigu said was, ¡°It¡¯ll pass. You¡¯re not remembering well; you¡¯ve fallen before. You always get up.¡± That didn¡¯t seem to bring him much relief, but he thanked his younger brother either way. The three of them parted ways without great ceremony, Sugihu simply saying, ¡°I think we ought to leave. It is getting late,¡± as Juja added, ¡°See you soon.¡± Thus leaving Qisigu alone once more.


    Alone to stare at the rising face of the blessed father and the jagged trees that were the bridge between the world of the dead and the living. At the mere sapling whose roots coiled around his son''s bones. On nights like that; he felt like crying. But even then he knew that he wasn¡¯t alone. He was a shepherd of the people; it wouldn¡¯t be befitting if such was the example he gave.


    And to Huse Napasa he would never submit.


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepes Journal


    The labor continued, hard yet rewarding. Harvest season made the two of them sluggish as they worked on our own, more important, more personal project. But they still succeeded. And so, what did it matter? An old teacher of mine always said to whimpering students, useless dogs, that the time they spent on anything didn¡¯t matter. What did it matter if they spent a twentieth of a day working on an essay if all they mustered was a single paragraph? We were making good progress, with them I could focus on what was befitting of my station.


    Finally, I felt like a proper master of life and death.


    ¡­


    Today was a rather significant day, it¡¯s given me the idea to keep that man, Juja, as a puppet. These people ought to care about their excuse of a noble dynasty, and out of the three he seems the most easily swayable. But I digress; perhaps I am being hasty. I ought to analyze this later on with a clear head as a proper human does.


    I went out to meet acolytes during the harvest season. It was hard labor; that time. I didn¡¯t participate of course; my mind was suited for more worthwhile endeavors. But someone needed to labor; without it food wouldn¡¯t be procured. Better them with their young and agile bodies than my aged frame. Better their brutish minds than my brilliance be wasted.


    I felt in a good mood that day, for I had made great progress in my project. It was hard to believe, how long before? A month or two perhaps, I had been but a miserable wretch with my goals seeming naught but dreams. ¡°Pipo! Relino! It is good to see you. Progress much in this?¡± They labored in the field alongside countless humans between the ripened stalks of corn and the twined beans. Mules and goblins helped in their own way, at the command of mighty humankind.


    Pipo and Relino appeared to judge my cheerful tone properly. Pipo began, uncharacteristically, with flowing words, ¡°Well, we¡¯re progressing slowly. It¡¯s hard work, but good work.¡± Relino complained, ¡°Awful lot of bugs. But they don¡¯t seem to be wielded as weapons of that demon.¡± I chuckled at that, ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure if that beast was listening, but I couldn¡¯t resist, ¡°Why, it appears that the demon''s threat was all empty wind. The puppy of a dog or goblin would¡¯ve been more dangerous. At least their teeth are sharp!¡±


    A sudden voice responded to my question under the light of the slowly setting sun, ¡°Ah, sir. I¡¯m in no place to speak against you, but I ought to beg you to give that demon more reverence.¡± I looked at Qasipeqi with a harsh glare, a stubborn young man. He appeared to notice it and continued, ¡°I simply mean, sir, that I don¡¯t think it''s doing all this for nothing. It ought to have a plan. My father is awfully worried about it.¡± I calmed myself quickly, my mood was cheerful after all. ¡°I entertain the possibility your father isn¡¯t an absolute fool,¡± he frowned but refrained from saying anything and so I continued, ¡°But just what? I don¡¯t see any plans with a chance of coming to fruition Do you?.¡±


    An uncomfortable silence hung over us for a little moment after that, nobody willing to talk. I didn¡¯t like it and so looked at the young man before saying in a curious tone, ¡°Young man, you are of rather noble lineage.¡± Of course, only compared to the rest of these miserable people. A king of rats was still a rat after all. ¡°Why are you working in the fields? Surely they aren¡¯t lacking in people; this little town, or village or whatnot, is packed with hundreds.¡± He took some time to digest my words. The words had left me in a questioning tone, genuine just as my thoughts were. No mockery at the moment.


    They had begun to store their equipment, it ought not to rust and wear, and a goblin followed behind us four. ¡°Well, sir, there¡¯s really more than one answer to that.¡± He scratched his neck as we walked. ¡°Damn mosquitoes,¡± he said halfway joking, ¡° To begin, for my part I¡¯ve always rather liked such manual labors-¡± I interrupted him, nothing but abject curiosity in my tone as we grew closer to the scattered homes and fences that formed the town, ¡°What is there to enjoy in it? The feeling of exhaustion and pain, the cuts of the savage plants.¡± Those words brought upon me unpleasant memories. Perhaps I will admit to myself that some haughtiness and disgust did overtake me. I knew for a fact the nobility only a few dozen kilometers away was entirely different, the Mexihuacan ones. How strange!


    I interrupted him but he only chuckled, ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you understand. I just find it so.¡± He kept talking, pleasantly enough, ¡°Regardless, my father did the same work as me. Less willingly too. He said it helps build a good worth ethic, build good character.¡± Yet another voice repentinely entered the conversation, ¡°That it does, that it does.¡± The man, by his appearance Juja laughed and morbidly said, ¡°Why, if this is my character after all that, what might it have been without it!¡± His son appeared troubled at such words, but didn¡¯t say anything to the man. I suppose he knew better than to be so arrogant as to contradict his father. If only my own sons were so loyal.


    He patted the goblins'' wrinkled head before it continued on its way to his household, ¡°Ah, nice critter. I remember when it was but a babe, but a puppy. Those beings kind of grow up fast, don''t they?¡± I didn¡¯t interact much with many goblins prior to my exile but from all I''d seen it appeared they didn¡¯t grow up any faster or slower than the mighty guard orks from back home. ¡°Indeed,¡± I nodded pleasantly, ¡°One moment they¡¯re no bigger than cats, and the next they¡¯re fully grown.¡±


    The man chuckled at that. He asked Relino with words that flew in a way that mixed the serious and the joking, ¡°Well, tell me young man, has my son been doing a good job in the fields?¡± Pipo was the one he questioned, and he quickly responded, ¡°Very good, sir, very good.¡± Relino commented, ¡°I corroborate.¡± He chuckled at that, ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that, Pipo, Relino, indeed. Very glad.¡± He turned at me in a sudden way,¡±Well, haven¡¯t seen you around my good man. Forgive me, but what was your name?¡±


    With my senses I was incapable of telling if it was a joke or otherwise, ¡°I suppose I am none too often seen. It is not as if laboring over publicly in the fields is law, is it? I always go to the councils.¡± He responded in a curious sort of manner, intrigued more than anything else, ¡°I suppose it isn¡¯t. We haven¡¯t got too many firm laws since my uncle''s death at any rate.¡± He shook his head, ¡°This demon is roaming freely, but at least he of the ten thousand crosses is dead. Mixed blessings eh? I wonder what Culiqaque¡¯s grand plan is.¡± I nodded and pleasantly asked, ¡°Say, what do you know about the relationship between Qejonu and that wretched Huse Napasa.¡± I continued, perhaps briskly, ¡°I don¡¯t mean to suggest anything, but you are a shepherd of the people, as the people of his land say, you ought to know more about it than I, eh?¡±


    He said to the young men with us, ¡°Go away for a little while; I¡¯ll go on a walk with-¡± He stopped for a moment, ¡±I don¡¯t believe you ever told me your name?¡± I responded to him, ¡°Sanu Nepe.¡± He tried out the name and pronounced it in a horrible manner, more messed up than a brain when it faced the axe, ¡°Sanu Nepe. Yes, I¡¯ll go walk with him. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be interested in it, young men that you are.¡± Neither of them argued against us, sending their farewells and leaving us alone.


    We walked by the streets, now darkening in the moon''s light. Juja was the one to begin the talk, ¡°The streets are the same as when I was a child, though some buildings haven¡¯t withstood mighty time.¡± He chuckled, ¡°What a most funny ocean that is.¡± Upon seeing my rather uninterested face, he sighed and in a similar way said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what I know.¡±


    He pursed his lips and continued as they talked, ¡°Really, this was rather well-known when I was a child, uncle didn¡¯t give too many councils without mentioning it. Used to be common knowledge even to children.¡± I questioned him, ¡°The crucified priest?¡± He painfully nodded and said, ¡°That was him. Didn¡¯t submit to that wretched god''s soldiers.¡± I said to him in an attempt to show that I cared, perhaps in the hopes he would reveal more information to me. ¡°They¡¯re all the same, those self-proclaimed gods. This life-it is but a game to them.¡±


    Vast shreds of my prior experiences with gods flashed through my head. I suppose it couldn¡¯t be helped; few dealt with gods as frequently as I. Not when my job led to the ascension of the dead into such councils. He didn¡¯t offer any response to that but his face was one of utmost sympathy. ¡°At any rate,¡± he decided to continue uninterrupted, ¡°Our people were once the servants of Gigo Rrere. He made himself king of the Nepeseguri leliso, our tribe, and later archduke of Qiniregulu, once he accepted the empire''s claim to the region. Though he later relinquished them both.¡± The man pursed his lips as we walked, ¡°Far as I know, she was one of his myriad followers. My great-grandfather told me, when I was a little child, she wasn¡¯t too pleased by his death at the hands of his daughter, Nolina. It happened when he was very young, we still belonged to her then.¡± He shook his head, ¡°Wretched demon. At least now we are free of her hateful bonds; all praise be to the Lord of the Cosmos and the great Saint.¡±


    I shrugged. The conversation wasn¡¯t world-changing but it did bring to light much valuable information about that spirit. It was strange to think that in a single conversation with this fool, I managed to get more information than with a hundred times I shared words with that entity. We walked in silence for a little while after that, no words but the galloping winds toying with branches and leaves as well as the powerful hoots and cries of cicadas and crickets. Truly, those things seep like water into all places.


    His following words were strained and full of emotion, like something being squeezed with difficulty through a hole, ¡°Tell your sons that I thank them for being my son''s friend. It helped him after his cousin''s death.¡± He sighed and let fly some final words, ¡°I worry for my brother.¡± Those were all the words exchanged between us. I responded to him with a silent nod as we walked back. They were powerful enough to bring relief to his face. Strange creatures humans were; I often wished I could unravel their mind as I did the gods I had in my grasp. I abhorred those deities; but at least I understood what made them tick. What made some unpredictable than others, like living clockwork, a vibrant book with the breath of life. Humans were naught but flesh. They were covered books; endless mystery.


    We overheard some meandering conversations occurring between the three young men. Not a lot of importance did I catch before we arrived. Only shushed piecework. Juja smiled at them and proclaimed, ¡°Son, I believe it is time to part ways. Look at how the holy fathers face shines above.¡± He nodded and sheepishly answered, ¡°How time passes, eh!¡± Juja only nodded. Qasipeqi continued, ¡°Just give me a few moments.¡± Juja nodded in an unspoken and pre-existing understanding.


    He asked Pipo and Relino, ¡°You two look awfully tired! Something terrible interrupting your sleep?¡± My body grew frozen as our highland lakes in the wintertime. Thankfully, the attention wasn¡¯t placed on me. Relino was the one to answer, ¡°Not as far as i know, but I suppose that wretched demon works in mysterious ways.¡± The two perfectly understood what the other was talking about, even if it was far removed from the truth. Qasipeqi nodded and said to him, ¡°Well, I wanted to give you this-¡± he looked into his pocket and gave Relino a crude carving of wood, resembling a button. It was more like a wheel, a miniature work of wood. ¡°-my granduncle carved this. Let¡¯s hope it provides some protection.¡± Juja nodded and said mournfully, ¡°We can only hope.¡±


    Relino passed over to Pipo who said, fool that he was, ¡°It¡¯s very beautiful, an old-fashioned chariot wheel?¡± I suppose he didn¡¯t remember the glorious galleries of our homeland, works so breathtaking it seemed as though they could come to life at any moment. It was crude, that¡¯s all it was. Juja appeared to find the question rather quite funny, and let out pained laughter once he heard it. He shook his head and responded, ¡°No. It¡¯s from one of the times great Culiqaque was broken upon the wheel. Happened multiple times.¡± Qasipeqi continued for him, voicing his thoughts, ¡°A good lord, ain¡¯t he? He dies and bleeds for us.¡± Pipo and Relino nodded at that. Simultaneously, Juja muttered some thoughts of his, not exactly a proud proclamation but loud enough all present heard, ¡°Never could remember which time. The great saints'' notes don¡¯t clear that up.¡±


    I said to them boh decisively as I outstretched a firm hand for them to shake, ¡°Well, I hope you two get to rest. Bless you.¡± All present exchanged farewells. The rest of the day was nowhere near so eventful as that, we ate the cruel gruel and labored before sweet sleep grabbed ahold. That spirit surely looked at us all with its heinous gaze. It truly was beginning to annoy me.


    But soon, soon it would all be better.


    ¡­


    I met with the spirit not a week after that. Although, I suppose it would have been more accurate to say that it met with me. That spirit sure had a powerful willpower, and it was naught but pleased to always initiate conversation. ¡°My, my, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you so devoted to something in all the time I¡¯ve known you! All you ever did was laze around and mope. Like a child. ¡± I responded to it with sarcasm draped all over my words, ¡°And I wasn¡¯t aware you were spying on me before our little stunt. Life sure is full of surprises, eh?¡±


    It let out vibrant laughs and said to me cheerfully, ¡°I¡¯ve always watched my people. Before and after wretched Sini Naqihu. Although I definitely listen and watch a lot more now than when that wretched and disgusting man still lived.¡± I clenched my teeth in frustration as I worked. I didn¡¯t want to listen to the spirits meandering conversations; not at this moment at the very least. ¡°But do tell, great spirit,¡± I questioned it in a somber tone, ¡°What is it you want from me? What is your little plan with us all?¡±


    It opened its beak in a well-known mockery of a laugh and said to me, ¡°Ah, can a lady not check up on her dear friend?¡± I offered no response to that, instead choosing to keep proving it. Its frame was that of a pigeon. ¡°Say,¡± I asked, ¡°You seem fond of such receptacles. Birds of all kinds.¡± It cheerfully answered,¡±They¡¯re rather versatile. Help me fulfill much of what I want to do, all while looking great. At any rate, only the Lord of the Flies spawn are more numerous.¡±


    I clenched my teeth in great rage, ¡°Only in this barbarically warm land. I¡¯ll let you know my homeland didn¡¯t have any of those pests. Yes, it was in all ways better. Would¡¯ve gotten proper respect there.¡± It laughed at me and with an open beak let fly, ¡°But we¡¯re not in your homeland, are we?¡± It shook its head, ¡°No, what are you now but a measly beggar. If you weren¡¯t, why would you call upon me.¡± It appeared to keep musing to itself, ¡°My friend, you and I are kindred spirits. I truly do pity you, both of us have fallen from grace.¡± I decided it was once more time to prove once more, deeper and in a more cutting manner.


    I asked it bluntly this time, as I had a little while prior, ¡°I repeat, what is your plan and what do you want from me?¡± It responded quickly and with great joy, ¡°I do not wish to take more from you, your little toy god will be more than enough.¡± It seemed to me its open beak widened in an imperceptible manner, subtle yet enough to put me on edge. ¡°Oh yes, I take back everything I said, great man. My prior words were in no way jest.¡± It visibly bowed before me, arching its head close to the ground, ¡°You will succeed. I underestimated you and your acolytes skill.¡± It tilted its head cheerfully, ¡°Yes, all will go back to the way it was.¡± It noticed my confusion, cursed by my wretched lack of ability when it comes to manipulating my own emotions, and appeared to delight in it as a man did in a luxurious meal.


    But I¡¯ve dealt with countless spirits in casual conversation and in courts of religious law. I¡¯d always known it had been an unpredictable entity likely to utilize me for its own benefit. It already tried, and despite my success failed. But it didn¡¯t appear to want to give up. I could play this game just as well as it. Even if the road to achieving its goal was blurry, everything else was clear.


    I asked it without much care, perhaps unwisely, ¡°Ah, there you go. And exactly what will I lose once such a goal is achieved.¡± It appeared to chuckle, and with sincerity so great that it appeared false, it also spoke, ¡°I do not wish to interfere in your plans, we can rule together. I¡¯ve proof; I will help ever more. This is too glorious of an opportunity to remain idle.¡± I attempted to capture a spirit of arrogance and strength within my frame, to remain unmoved and silent by its words. Yet the spirit made no move of anger due to my inaction. It only sang. Soon more birds came close, dangling all sorts of objects of wealth. It saw my face and let fly another winged laugh. ¡°Your head begins to turn, eh? I¡¯m not some wyvern, I understand the value of the items I steal. It brings misery to them, and it can bring victory to you. ¡±


    I needed to calm myself but I soon responded to it, having soothed my emotions, ¡°I am still doubtful. How will this achieve your goal of obtaining worship. Such a drastic change is strange for a spirit.¡± It said to me, whispering in my ears, ¡° Seems you¡¯ll have to reconsider. I know you pride yourself on your knowledge. But these are my people; I know every vein, every ounce of flesh on them. You will win their hearts and minds, I was a fool to think otherwise. I will crawl in once that is done. I trust you won''t forget this.¡± It came close to me, to the point it laid on my arm with its talons. Upon closer inspection the bird was clearly no longer a simple pigeon.


    ¡°Very well,¡± I spoke with uncouth fear which heightened my thought, ¡°How much treasure is this? What manner of thing am I to use it for. Land, serfs, exorbitant displays? ¡± It shook its head and said to me simply, ¡°This people won¡¯t take it seriously unless the body it has is that of a human. .¡± My face contorted and I said to it in a growingly confident tone, ¡°A serf it is? I¡¯d just been planning on kidnapping someone from a neighboring town.¡±


    The laughter which erupted made me feel childish and foolish. It was utterly unpleasant and made my desire naught other than the creature''s destruction. ¡°No,¡± it said between chuckles, ¡°Qejonus soldiers stripped this land of its great treasure. I don¡¯t have enough money for that.¡± As it saw my face it chuckled, ¡°But this is enough to bribe most rulers . Go; If you give them this I am sure they¡¯ll make it so that, ah, those men never existed.¡± It chuckled darkly, ¡°Such is the power of gods and men working together. These people are fools not to see it.¡±


    Booming laughter left me soon enough. ¡°I know you are scheming something, both of us clearly are,¡± I proclaimed between laughter, ¡°But I thank you nevertheless. You are right; I can create something powerful. More powerful than you and all others in this little stretch of fields and forest. But presentation matters an awful lot. Your warning will of course be heeded.¡± It chuckled for its own part, ¡°You have some lofty ideas about your toy.¡± The insinuation of its true weakness was left unsaid. The fool; in the deepest spirit I had to admit I wasn¡¯t quite as great as I thought. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have dragged myself through land and sea like a dog. But I was peerless when it comes to necromancy. ¡°It¡¯ll do what it needs to, of that I am sure.¡±


    It said its farewells shortly after it finished giving me the meager and scattered valuables it snatched up. I¡¯d have to sell it for some proper coins or at least rolls of Tobacco. Once the harvest season ended, all that would be done. Holy day travels were rather common. Soon, soon. Victory is so close.


    I am so, so, happy.

 Chapter Seven

    Sanu Nepe¡¯s journal


    The harvest season ended quickly enough, my acolytes laboring as the corn, amaranth and many other crops that grew around and within those fields were harvested as the wet season was brought to an end. The watery reservoirs of heaven closed. There was a somewhat noticeable dip in quality in our little project, but they still fulfilled their duties. I could still bring the deity into existence.


    I clearly remember the day I finally finished that deity''s creation, not in body but in mind. Everything was set in place, it was an orderly structure where once it had been but a pile of sludge. A shred of a dead god''s corpse. It was beautiful. The most beautiful thing I¡¯d beheld in a very long time and emotion gripped me as winds do a ship on the high seas. How all the parts fitted closely together to create a mockery of a person. All work from my brilliant hands.


    ¡°Well, it seems like someones happy,¡± such words were spoken by a voice, Huse Napasa¡¯s, that sharply cut through my laughs and joy, ¡°Make some progress on your project?¡± I responded to that only with joyous laughter. ¡°No,¡± I eventually mustered out between laughs, ¡°No. I¡¯m done with this. It¡¯s made! All I¡¯ve got to do is provide it with a vessel. A proper one.¡±


    The beast remained quiet for some time, and I could see it was shocked by the words that left it, ¡°That was awful fast.¡± I snapped, ¡°And I am awful good.¡± The spirit soon continued with a far more cheerful tone, joyous and glad, ¡°Well my friend! This is good, very good. We¡¯ll both benefit from this in due time.¡±


    I only shrugged at that. Silence reigned over us even if my spirits were still high and pleased,


    ¡°Well, a friend of mine has a human upon whose disappearance she would be quite pleased. I recommend we go there; it¡¯ll be cheap. The money will only go to keep his family quiet.¡± I only nodded at that, ¡°Well, my friend! See you soon. I¡¯ll be accompanying you on your trip.¡± It quickly vanished from sight. I had guessed the spirit would follow after us, but it was good to receive actual confirmation. I was still distrustful of it, but I knew full well it couldn¡¯t be avoided.


    That¡¯s fine, perfect really! I¡¯ve formulated some plans, and the spirit will be vanquished soon enough.


    ¡­


    ¡°We¡¯re going on a little trip,¡± I said to them both the night after that conversation with Huse Napasa. Pipo and Relino looked at one another and appeared less displeased by this than most of my plans. ¡°It should be fine,¡± Relino further mused, ¡°People are going on pilgrimages again after Qejonu¡¯s death. We could hide under that pretext.¡± We all remembered how important providing some kind of reason for travel is. Human suspicion is a mighty powerful thing and we were driven out of many towns due to it.


    I nodded and smiled widely, ¡°Can either of you guess the purpose of the trip?¡± Neither of them appeared entirely sure, not enough to answer. I didn¡¯t leave them hanging and bellowed out to them both, ¡°It¡¯s done! I figured out that last flaw and the rest was finished over the course of a couple of hours. Our project is complete!¡± Sheer shock gripped both of them, all signs had pointed to two weeks or more of work. But that was not so now! Pipo was the one who asked, ¡°Father, what-what do we do now?¡±


    My eyes glinted in glory and arrogance, ¡°We will, empty-brained buffoons, be on our way to rob a man of his useless life.¡± I was quite pleased with myself but both Pipo and Relino appeared displeased by that. Pipo had a look of mild disgust while Relino looked, above all, tired. I gnashed my teeth, ¡°Buffoons, neither of you realize what has to be done. Where would we be without me! A vessel is essential for this all..¡± I sighed in frustration and asked the both of them, ¡°But I trust you will do what has to be done, without you I can¡¯t obtain this sacrifice.¡± Before any of them could say anything I added, ¡°You don¡¯t even know this man, so quit that mood! And grab the wealth Huse Napasa gave me.¡±


    While none of them shone in even pretended happiness, both of them nodded and steadfastly said, ¡°Yes, father.¡±


    ¡­


    The morning of our leaving was uneventful, the cool air filled the entire town with its slothful strength. Prior days had been employed in some harvest festival, I avoided as many as I could but was still forced to go through the uneventful boredom of one. Pipo and Relino played all sorts of the local and foolish games and in the process won us some useless bones.


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I had said to them the prior night, ¡°Tomorrow we do this.¡± Neither of them had argued against me. Now Pipo shook me awake and whispered to me, ¡°The sun has risen. Best not to waste his light.¡± I grumbled and said, ¡°Fine. Bring me breakfast.¡± He did as he was told with a nod and gave me the same coarse and miserable fare. I couldn¡¯t even muster the energy to verbally complain about its quality. ¡°Everything we need is packed,¡± said Pipo to me, ¡°We only need your word, all is ready.¡±


    I chuckled at that. How much closer did my goal seem? I thought it fitting to ask, ¡°You have the treasures with you?¡± He nodded, ¡°Concealed within ordinary goods, just as you asked.¡± I chuckled once more at that. We found ourselves ready to leave, agile as the winds, soon enough.


    The road opened itself before us alongside the light of the newly risen sun, his face benevolently looking at us all. We walked through the remains of the prior festivities which still lingered on, and would for some time more. I entertain myself with wild fantasies of grandeur, some which I could not repress with all the emotion within me. ¡°Good to see you, Relino, Pipo!¡±


    I was pulled out of my high thoughts by the voice of Qasipeqi. Relino and Pipo exchanged greetings, saying cheerfully, ¡°Nice to see you in health!¡± The three of them exchanged handshakes with their brown limbs. ¡°Where are you going?¡± He said that after looking at our clothes, they were clearly made for pilgrimages. I was the one to respond, ¡°Nowhere all glamorous. Simply the Imperial city of Pajuhunura. Heard it had a nice relic, and I would like to test some of the salt that marks its name.¡±


    I held the tiniest and most unbefitting semblance of nervousness within my heart but the young man didn¡¯t think any of it. ¡°Who can say?¡± he chuckled, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have much trouble. A friend of my father told me things have calmed down there since Qejonus'' death.¡± All of us nodded at that. Pipo and Relino joked, ¡°Let us hope you don¡¯t lose to a snail in a ball game again.¡± He shook his head, ¡°One time, one time I trip while attempting to avoid stepping on one of those creatures and now that¡¯s all you two say!¡±


    Still, it seemed to me that the whole thing was in jest since they all hugged each other and whispered some blessings to one another. ¡°Hurry on up,¡± I said to them in an indifferent manner, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be good if we wasted the sun''s light.¡± We didn¡¯t receive any interruption afterwards, the whole town was still drowsy from prior days of festivities. Some people had left for their own pilgrimages the prior days, but it appeared none joined us at that specific time of day.


    Better for us.


    ¡­


    The journey was somewhat rough, it brought back unpleasant memories of wandering through endless forests, mountains and plains through rain and drought all the same. Of ever gnawing hunger, the kind which isn¡¯t so much slain when one feeds, but kept alive to provide endless torture. I was a miserable man now, but back then, I was less than a man. I was like the most meager of beasts.


    At least this time we had plenty of food to go around, though it may be coarse and in all ways rather unpleasant. Yet, just as my hunger was kept alive back then, so my mind is always unsatisfied even as my body thrives as much as its joints will allow. Never to forget.


    As Pipo began to say something I made him be quiet with the movement of a finger. ¡°We are being watched,¡± I nonchalantly said as we stopped to provide ourselves some nourishment, a strange and coarse mix of corn and wheat crackers, ¡°That I know.¡± The others were eating as well, seeming to find more pleasure in the miserable meal than I had, so damaged were their palates, ¡°Huse Napasa?¡± So questioned both Pipo and Relino, almost simultaneously. The beast was sneaky, I could only barely make it out. I nodded, ¡°Her and others. There¡¯s no point in trying to communicate between lines. She¡¯s listening even now.¡± Relino was the one who launched the question this time. I suppose he always thought in a slight subconscious manner that the conversations in our native language were somehow private. Impressed, he commented, ¡°I still can¡¯t believe she learned our native language just by listening.¡±


    I snorted, ¡°It is not very impressive, not for a deity.¡± I looked up to the wretched spirits that looked to us above, ¡°How many of you even are there? Come down; speak.¡± None came down. One spirit attempted to speak from an insignificant lizard''s body but it soon found itself pierced by an eagle''s razor beak. One of her puppets I assume. For a single brief moment it seemed as though the canopy was at war with itself as it moved in a strenuous manner. The straining beasts soon responded, ¡°We acquiesce, we acquiesce! Let us watch; that is all we will do.¡± And calm reigned once more


    The spirit cheerfully said to us, ¡°I apologize; it was necessary. Some people just need a little pain to come to their senses.¡± I was entirely unimpressed and simply said to it, ¡°Keep it down. I can¡¯t have you ripping off an officer''s face once we reach one of those places that host this mockery of civilization.¡± As is so often so easy for spirits of all kinds it cheerfully responded, ¡°Of course, friend Sanu Nepe, of course!¡±


    The rest of the rather short journey to Pajahunura was rather uneventful. We saw a few people on our path, our momentous journey, but they weren¡¯t urgent affairs. We weren¡¯t a pair of kindred ships exchanging letters to send to the home nation. A short greeting and that was all. Most Mexihuacans looked at our Culiqaquist robes with either fear or disgust. It was short yet the elements of sun and rain attacked furiously. Yet it meant nothing for us as members of the Necromancer caste are resilient to such things, as much as is possible in our fleshy constraints. The spirit didn¡¯t speak with us much, rather uncharacteristically, lest I prompt it.


    I obtained some worries, but I was confident I could unravel that former deity''s secrets fairly easily. By Relinos expressions I have reason to believe he continued communing with that deity back in the town. Troublesome. Still, all things considered; I see a bright future awaiting me.


    ¡­


    The so-called Imperial city of Pajahunura is rather quaint. Its overlord may not deserve the title of emperor. But I liked the wooden palisade thrown around its center, the mountains where some mines jutted out, and the quaint little homes, fields, and well-ordered fences. It seemed, above all, planned. At least the most visible parts of it. Entirely in contrast to our hodgepodge village-town.


    ¡°I can¡¯t follow you,¡± Huse Napasa had said to me. I jokingly mocked her, ¡°Why, is it not good enough for you, its overlord, too lowly? Doesn¡¯t he technically rule this whole land?¡± She clenched her beak and barked, ¡°None of that! I am loyal to him!¡± I heard her whisper to herself, ¡°It is what the master would have wanted.¡± It continued soon enough, ¡°But a ducal deity, Nolina, rules over the city as a patron. I abhor her. You¡¯ll be alone. Stay safe¡± I clenched my teeth at her, ¡°I¡¯ve survived much, little spirit. I will not die so easily.¡± It had only nodded before vanishing into the rustling leaves toyed with by the galloping winds. I hosted some pleasure within me, I could probably communicate without her wretched interference. She most likely wasn¡¯t lying.


    We walked in our peaceful robes towards the city''s walls, multiple haughty doors being placed around the wooden barricades, great things made from wrought iron treated with fire and the corpses of cut trees. They were manned by a bunch of lazy-looking men. One of them appeared to be falling asleep while another looked at some meaningless text.


    ¡°Some guards they are,¡± I muttered to Pipo and Relino bitterly. In a far more cheerful and respectful tone I loudly proclaimed, ¡°Greetings! We desire entrance into this most glorious Imperial city. Long life in the great house of Jalapepano!¡± My words pushed the sleeping one awake while the other continued ignoring us. They whispered some things to one another. The formerly sleeping one said to us, ¡°I suppose you can come in. Culiqaquists?¡±


    I had equal abhorrence for both of this land''s major faiths, but they were physical things in the end. I wasn¡¯t to be held to the same moral standards as the lower castes. ¡°Indeed! ¡± He chuckled and arrogantly asked, ¡°Still believe that little lying demon? His ridiculous tales! If he¡¯s the moon, I¡¯m the duke!¡± I wasn¡¯t capable of answering as the two men shared some laughs with one another. He didn¡¯t even appear to care about the fact we didn¡¯t exhibit great reaction. ¡°You should be grateful the great emperor is so merciful, even though you dogs deserve none of it. The only cost is twenty cigars per person.¡± The man reading a book said, ¡°You zealots ought not be trusted with property, beasts that you are. A proper worshipper of the Ojotillas wouldn¡¯t even have to pay one!¡±


    I didn¡¯t care about any of those words, they all passed through me. I thought both Culiqaque and the Ojotillas were lying, each in opposed yet equally insidious ways. Only to us had the One true Emperor revealed the secrets of the cosmos. I only bowed and tipped my straw hat with my dark brown hand, ¡°Of course, glorious be any shred of wealth that goes to the grand emperor!¡± The money was passed without much difficulty and we soon entered the city.


    ¡­


    The city was quaint on the inside. I whispered to both Pipo and Relino, ¡°It¡¯s quaint, but rather small. Wouldn¡¯t have counted as a city back in our homeland.¡± I pointed at the census of less than ten thousand, carved on massive tablets of wood and hung upon a massive temple to the great deities of the city, a statue of them and Qejonus'' sister and killer all the same, that ducal deity Penani Nolina, shaking hands. Both of them only nodded.


    We arrived rather late, so I thought it best if he procured a place. The rainy season appeared to be over, but you never knew. We, as I had guessed, were rejected from a lot of places on the basis of the Culiqaquist religion. But these gods were cunning, they knew each town''s smell and any liar who didn¡¯t wear the robe of pilgrimage but smelled like a Culiqaquist would find himself massively unlucky. We stayed at a small run-down place. Some other Culiqaquists were seen there as well, from small settlements but they all banded together with those from their native settlements.


    I reminded myself as I fell asleep that I would transcend even the bonds of humankind.


    ¡­


    ¡°Find anybody we can sell these trinkets to?¡± It was, of course, not befitting for the likes of me to go around as a boy selling a bag of peanuts to find buyers. That as my acolytes, my sons in spirit and in practice, duties, ¡°We have.¡± Pipo said as they shared with me some Tamales, doughy contraptions filled with beans and some local spices, ¡°A few actually. We ought to get a decent prize.¡±


    I nodded, ¡°We don¡¯t need too much. Only enough to keep a family content after a death..¡± We ate quietly for a little while. ¡°It¡¯s good. Rather good,¡± I said between bites, ¡°By these barbaric standards at any rate.¡± Neither of them argued against me, only nodding. They always did that. At times it pleased me and at times I wished that they would stop.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see to it. Let''s go after the sun has calmed down a bit.¡±


    ¡­


    The store was run by a calm-looking old woman, her skin sagging and a pair of spectacles on her round face. Clearly worn by the ravages of many decades of time, slowly sapping at her strength. She sat in a shed, it didn¡¯t appear to be a proper store. Just a place to store merchandise that her grandchildren would sell.


    We came in and bowed in a chivalrous manner, ¡°Ah, fair lady, we came here for business.¡± She nodded at that and chuckled, her mouth lacking in countless teeth. From there came her nearly unintelligible accent.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said, absent-minded and unfocused on us. I smiled and opened the bag, leaving all the precious materials the spirit had stolen and given to me bare for her to see. She nodded upon seeing it, ¡°Good, good.¡± She gave us what appeared to be twelve Kilograms of tobacco.


    I did my best to stand up straight and with an utterly authoritative tone said to her, ¡°Wretched woman! This is worth twice that at the very least!¡± She snapped at me, ¡°Why, young man, are you truly so miserable you need to scam the helpless? Shame on you! Nine kilograms.¡± I clenched my teeth in rage but before I could say anything Pipo and Relino intervened, ¡°Please old woman, these are all the things our entire village could gather.¡± As Relino finished, Pipo continued, ¡°Be merciful.¡±


    She shook her head, ¡°Fine. Fifteen kilograms; that¡¯s what I¡¯ll give.¡± The three of us thanked her profusely and left the place soon enough, just as another child, this one seeming some three years younger than my acolytes, came with tobacco and asked his grandmother for merchandise to sell.


    It¡¯d say it went rather well, could¡¯ve been a lot worse at least.


    ¡­


    We stayed for the rest of the day in that settlement, even though we had the thing we had come for, and soon had to that wretched village once more. I said to Pipo, ¡°Go, buy us supplies. Food and the like.¡± He nodded without argument and went to do so. Relino was about to do so but I smiled widely and said to him, ¡°No. You come and walk with me. We''ve got some things to discuss.¡± He appeared somewhat nervous, but nodded and ame along with me without further prompting.


    We walked by the cobblestones, the many quaint buildings towering above us. Some were made of adobe, yes, but many more had bases of brick or stone and arching walls of wood. The temples and the palace, of brick and stone, towered in the distance. ¡°We¡¯re close to our goal,¡± I whispered, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I made deities every few months.¡± I chuckled, ¡°How distant those days are now.¡± Although Qejonu was of considerably higher quality than I usually used.


    We walked together and he asked me in the politest tone he could muster, ¡°Is that what this is about, your musings? That¡¯s why you pulled me away from helping my brother?¡± I made a dismissive gesture, ¡°He¡¯s not a child. He can handle this. You know that.¡± After a little while I said to him, ¡°You two never even stayed long enough to complete all the sacraments. You aren¡¯t related by blood and only tenuously by spirit. Your true bond is to me.¡±


    Truly, only the fact that every region was bad at differentiating the faces of people from a place only a month''s walk away meant we could go along without being asked questions. While normally good at controlling his emotions Relinos face twisted into genuine emotion, consumed by burning anger. His teeth gnashed and his fists grew clenched as if preparing to punch me, himself, or something else. It vanished quickly but I found it rather funny.


    ¡°So that¡¯s that.¡± He didn¡¯t ask another question, ¡°I need you to do something.¡± He nodded and attempted to distance himself from his pior rage. At least it seemed that way to me. ¡°Very well,¡± he asked me, ¡° What do you need me to do?¡± We kept walking. I looked up at the heavenly sun, dimming but still glaring in the afternoon light. ¡°I know you have kept in contact with the wild spirits.¡± He only nodded at that, freezing for just an instant, and then continuing though nothing happened.


    ¡°Indeed, I never really thought you would stop.¡± I shook my head, ¡°My wild outburst that day came from the heart not the mind. It would take more than that to stop you.¡± He nodded at that and we kept moving. The ambient tone was soft and quiet, and the streets were none too crowded in the little corner from that hag of a merchants hideout. ¡°You ought to find out the true plan that wretched Huse Napasa has for us.¡± I shook my head, ¡°She is planning something.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    He snorted, ¡°That is clear.¡± I nodded, ¡°You¡¯ve a greater contact with the others than I do. And she observes you less than me. I tell you this; whenever you can, communicate with one of them. In a kind of insinuation perhaps. She¡¯s told me how she brags to her brethren; I hope she lets slip some of it.¡± He nodded at me and in a curious tone asked me, ¡°You do know she will most likely find out about this, the others aren¡¯t the type to withstand her serious questioning.¡± I smiled widely, ¡°I only need to know before her; what made her change her plan. I am close, I can make changes and destroy any plan she may have. We can communicate later; through our project.¡± I know it doesn''t have access to that. It may think it does, but that is its unchecked arrogance talking. It¡¯s never bothered to try.


    We went by quietly the rest of the journey, until we reached the place where we were staying. I whispered to Relino, ¡°I didn¡¯t want you communicating with them in case you got any ideas.¡± I pursed my lips and before he entered said to him, ¡°You seem to care for Pipo, but I have cast off all empathy, useless traits. I am older and wiser than you. If you try anything to interfere with my plan; I will make him wish he was dead. Pain will never leave him alone. Understood?¡± Once more, I saw him try to repress his emotions. It wasn¡¯t as bad as last time, he only went entirely blank as I had seen him do before. He spoke in a hopeless manner.


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡­


    We left in the morning quickly enough, decked out in the robes of wandering pilgrims as we walked through the city. It was a quaint little thing, even if still naught but a mockery of the glory of my bountiful homeland. Nothing would ever rival the glory of our homeland. Two guards stood around the gate. I bowed before them, as did Pipo and Relino. I joyfully let out, ¡°Ah, good to see you in health! Blessings be to this city, our stay was wonderful.¡±


    The man snorted and said to me, ¡°Of course it was. Now scram; we don¡¯t want to take our chances with you nutjobs.¡± We bowed low before them and continued on our journey. We continued through the dirt path for some time more, the drying earth with its ever-hardy weeds and aged trees clearly visible. A voice cut through the silence, ¡°All done, eh?¡±


    I saw Huse Napasa, in the form of a pigeon, perching on a tree, a good one. I only nodded at it. It let fly chuckles, ¡°Very well. Follow me; I¡¯ll guide you to the town. It isn¡¯t too far from here.¡± We followed it with shuffling footsteps. A sort of silence hung between me and Relino, but it was so slight that I think it flew unnoticed between Huse Napasa and Pipo. All for the best.


    ¡­


    The rest of the journey was uneventful. Even when we didn¡¯t hear it in plain sight, our senses picked up the presence watching us. It was impossible to know if it was the arrogant deity, or if it was some other spirit. At least it truly guided us as I told it.


    The journey wasn¡¯t long at all, in the grown afternoon Huse Napsa said to me, ¡°You should reach it before sundown. ¡± I had only responded to it with annoyed and cutting words, ¡°My feet are growing tired. Must this continue-¡± Huse Napasa retorted, ¡°You can do anything, but look over there.¡± It pointed me to a trio of armed men looking at us three in a hostile manner. We passed them prior but they were still in eyesight, ¡°What of them?¡± I asked without care.


    ¡°What of them?¡± The beast repeated, ¡°Why, they looked to rob you. They delight in doing so to foolish pilgrims and peddlers. They¡¯d have beaten you and stripped you of all things.¡± I didn¡¯t particularly care about that, but it would make things an awful lot less convenient. No bribe money, only raw strength. Seeing this Huse Napasa eagerly said, ¡°Am I not an excellent friend? I won¡¯t let you die, but I don¡¯t have to protect you from all things if you chose to be like this. Do as I say; I know best, Necromancer. ¡± I looked at it as it vanished. It clearly had a plan, but all other details vanished before me like mist. That fumed anger within me.


    Before the sun set Huse Napasa appeared to us for the final time. It chuckled and said, ¡°This is the place. I spoke with the local deities.¡± I looked at it, ¡°So we will not have trouble.¡± Huse Napasa chuckled, ¡°She won¡¯t harm you a lot.¡± It spoke brightly to Pipo and Relino, ¡°Cheer up. You should arrive back in your town by the morning of the next day.¡± By my judgement that appeared to be roughly correct.


    The small town was entirely like what we expected. We¡¯d seen similar towns before coming here, truly little more than villages. The people appeared to look at us distrustfully, with an unsteady mixture of fear, hatred and disgust. They warily eyed the great knives on us, some Pipo bought earlier in the city, silent warnings to unarmed peasants such as them. None of them dared approach us. I heard rustling behind me before I could make out the figure. A terrible mass of flesh and sinew, of poison and hide, of twisted intellect, that stood behind me.


    It bared the spurs on its poisonous legs and wings, as well as its mouth, and tail all the same. It was, clearly, a wyvern. The destitute men appeared to recoil in fear of it, even just its view. It hissed at me with varied sounds, from a bubbling pot to the movement of a carriage wheel. I smiled at it, and bowed before it. Pipo and Relino soon followed my lead. ¡°Grand being, we acknowledge your authority,¡± I said to them, ¡°Give us your message.¡±


    Upon seeing our submissive gestures the creature appeared to relax while remaining wary. It spit out a message, leaving me unclear knowledge of how much of it it truly understood. As wyverns do, ¡°Come and see me, that empty goddess spoke of you. Only the three of you.¡± I nodded and said to the wyvern, which had so perfectly recreated the deep, grumbling voice of a female wyrm without understanding a word it said, ¡°We¡¯d be honored.¡±


    We followed it through the roads of simple dirt until reaching a central building at the town''s center. It was decorated like the local fearsome temples, palaces. We found a pair of wyverns at the entrance of the building. They arched their backs as a cat does when they encounter a fearsome creature. They communicated with curious sounds once more, and greeted one another with familiarity. By their look, and truly the general organization of the species, I am led to assume they were siblings. Wyverns didn¡¯t take too kindly to those outside their hives.


    I entered the building alongside Pipo and Relino. A great and mighty mass lurked inside, a terrible and fearsome serpent. It had an aged kind of look, made clear by its great size. ¡°I suppose you are Sanu Nepe, and those are the ones who follow you.¡± It let out a great chuckle and approached me with a great angled serpentine face. It opened its maw exposing great teeth which while clearly used for the purpose of chewing leaves and straw could easily rend flesh from bone and crush my being.


    It chuckled at us, much like that deity and commented, ¡°She is awful excited about you, but I¡¯ll get the final choice about you lots worth.¡± I eyed it warily as when cued laughter erupted from four people dressed in curious clothing, each sitting in one of the wall''s cardinal directions. I stood proudly and said to it, after bowing, ¡°Aged wyrm, mighty dragon, we only wish to take one of your people. You tell us who, we¡¯ll settle for any.¡±


    It let out a humming noise and prompted the man facing the west into taking out a musical instrument, an ocarina, which he soon began to play. ¡°Do tell me,¡± It said as it dragged its great body towards mine, ¡°What do you want with it?¡± Relino and Pipo bowed all the same. Relino explained, ¡°Grand being, mortal god, we have duties to attend with the spirits of the field and wood. That¡¯s why.¡±


    I snapped at it, ¡°Did Huse Napasa not tell you.¡± The beast turned back and curled in upon itself. ¡°No,¡± it mused, ¡°It said nothing. That¡¯s just how she always has been.¡± It continued like that for some time before I calmed myself and asked, ¡°Now, grand being, who must we kill? Who do you dislike?¡± It hummed to itself once more, the musical tone changing once more as it battered a wall with its tail as a cue.


    ¡°I abhor many within this age,¡± it mused to itself, ¡°People really aren¡¯t as loyal these days.¡± I sighed at which point one of the men, an aged man, cried as it made a click with its tongue. I thought I saw a smile from its cavernous mouth. ¡°Look how they agree with me! At any rate, kill an old man. By the name of Rile Hiruna. He¡¯s got an unmistakable noble kind of look. Been causing a great heap of trouble for us.¡±


    I genuinely asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you get rid of him sooner?¡± The men around the four directions appeared genuinely fearful for a moment and I beheld a flash of terrible rage within the great wyrm. ¡°Such insolence,¡± it hissed out, ¡°He has other spirits on his side, and our own god is an absolutely useless buffoon. More interested in pulque and women than in his duties! But with Huse Napasa they¡¯ll keep quiet.¡±


    It now unmistakably grinned as it pulled back its lips to reveal furiously strong teeth, ¡°That¡¯s why. Hand over the tobacco Huse Napasa talked about. Any questions?¡± We bowed before it and only said, ¡°Of course not. We are ready.¡± Once more it unmistakably grinned at us. We handed it a good amount of tobacco which the men assured us would go to keep their family from causing further trouble. Looking before us, it said,


    ¡°Excellent.¡±


    ¡­


    The actual endeavor wasn¡¯t much too difficult to carry out. The man we found was doing nothing worthwhile, sleeping in the coarse ground and grass. The weather of this land was warm and so such an endeavor was possible at any point of the year. The man was aged, still alive but clearly in the later portion of life with sagging and wrinkled brown skin. Overpowering him would be achieved easily.


    And indeed it was. Pipo and Relino with fearsome strength held the man down as they struggled to keep his mouth clenched shut. They managed to do it before he could do anything. I paced around him, relishing in the power and saying to him, ¡°Now, my good friend, you ought not be upset! You will be the final link in the inauguration of something much greater than yourself!¡± I looked down at him, ¡°Smile, yes, that is what you should do!¡±


    At the same time I said, ¡°You do what we say, and you will go through this with as little pain as possible.¡± The man attempted to struggle and was painfully struck with a wooden rod, a muffled scream leaving him. I am sure his mind was filled with countless profanities, yet all of them would remain locked within him with great and endless strength. Pipo finished the orders, ¡°We don¡¯t want to do this, but we must. Forgive us.¡±


    The man didn¡¯t stand up against us after a few more attacks with the rod. Humans by their very instinct are creatures fashioned by the mighty gods. Pain is the thing which teaches the young not to touch the fire or cut themselves with shimmering blades. It was what kept our delicate mechanisms alive in a world of dancing winds, prideful rocks, and terrible weapons of wretched creation.


    He followed us soon enough, spirit crushed easily enough. We sank into the edges of the dark woods easily enough, wading through paths with our superior senses as the old man struggled with his steps. ¡°Try and keep up,¡± I arrogantly said to him and chuckled. Within his eyes a look of utmost hatred was seen. But that was fine; I was no inquisitor, Mexihuacan or Imperial. The one true empire, not this sorry mess. I didn¡¯t desire to delve into his innermost minds. I only needed to exploit the machinery which kept him running.


    We continued like this for some time. Once we were far enough from the settlement as the moon shimmered above I absentmindedly said to both Pipo and Relino, ¡°Ungag man. It is no longer necessary. Only the wild spirits and beasts will hear his screams.¡± I had a morbid sort of curiosity as to what the man would say to us, as if there was one thing I was certain about here it was that he would most definitely not remain silent.


    They did so with only a nod as we continued wading through the endless grounds. The man didn¡¯t immediately respond to me, to us, simply slowed and breathed strongly with jagged gags like a bushy dog struggling for breath. ¡°Keep him going.¡± Pipo didn¡¯t respond with words, but simply used a terrible stick to hit the man. The man quickened up his pace soon enough with a sharp yelp of pain.


    After a few more steps, while his pace didn¡¯t slow he began to speak. It was naughty but curses at first, ¡°Wretched useless piles of dog slop! Dishonorable bunch of dirt, not even mud, that¡¯s what you are! Most disgusting and miserable! Deer hearted-buffoons, scrawny dogs! More dishonorable than wolves! The great Mejolo Migeru will never allow any of you to drink her precious blood! Disgusting worms!¡±


    Such things did he speak, although he ended up slowing down after a bit. I chuckled brightly, rather entertained. ¡°Oh, you are simply silly!¡± I said to the old man with a dismissive gesture, ¡°Truly, you are the blind worm here. Be jolly! You have been chosen for greater purposes!¡± The man snarled at us both, an illiterate peasant, and said to us, ¡°I don¡¯t care if the great Tamer of the Flame himself gave you fools an order! Have you no respect for polite, civilized society? Ordering elders around-striking them with sticks as though we were children! All your bloodlines will surely face eternal wretchedness!¡±


    I chuckled at that, which seemed to bring him great rage. In a cool and icy tone he said to me, ¡°You think this is funny, eh? You delight in this, do you? You don¡¯t even have the proper manliness to face me, you send those boys of yours to strike me!¡± I only smiled at those words as we continued on walking, as I said to the man, ¡°Perhaps I do delight in this. Just the smallest amount. That feeling of authority.¡± I chuckled once more, and with a gesture from my hand Pipo and Relino struck the man. Once more the old man produced a great clenching of teeth .¡±At any rate, antiquated relic,¡± I said before he could interrupt me and proclaim some of his own words, ¡°I care nothing to engage in a beastly brawl with a barbarian. I am of a higher caste-It is time that it shows.¡± I laughed uncontrollably this time, not the controlled chuckles of before. ¡°Oh, I am oh, so happy. I don¡¯t suppose you understand.¡± The man appeared as though he had been struck by a momentous bolt of lightning. He looked at me as if I was a foul thing he had found crushed at the sole of his foot, and seemed to prepare to say something.


    He never got the chance, for a vibrant voice echoed from the four cardinal directions, ¡°How good to see this, friend! Yes, how very, very good.¡± I looked up yet did not stop walking, replying dryly, ¡°Uselessly theatrical as always, Huse Napasa. I suppose I should thank you for figuring out something with that serpent.¡± The old man attempted to struggle, the sudden moment making Relino beat him again as I instructed him prior. He, in a more subdued manner in movement if not in voice let fly, ¡°Great Goddess! You served Gigo Rrere, you must understand the righteousness of my cause.¡± It seemed as though he would cry, ridiculous on such an old man, ¡°Why do you side with that arrogant worm, why do you help her destroy me with this madman? She is an outrage to all the rights tenants have under the sacred system!¡± He calmed himself, not willingly, just having tired himself in the same way a child does when he cries too much. He¡¯d run out of tears, ¡°Why?¡± He asked in a hollow, lifeless tone, like an empty shell robbed of life.


    The spirit remained silent for some moments. It responded in the same cheeky tone it always used. Despite that, a dark and bitter undertone hung interlaced between its words, ¡°Ah, there is your mistake little man! Your struggles are, for now, unimportant to me. I am dreadfully sorry; I can promise your grandchildren''s grandchildren will see some benefit. But for now, I am not under the law''s glory. ¡± The man continued, eyes darting to the fearsome beating sticks both Pipo and Relino carried before asking, with curiosity and bubbling rage rather than the desperation which had previously possessed him so strongly, ¡°Then why do this? At least kill and devour me honorably, not whatever sick thing these three lunatics have for me.¡±


    She responded somberly, reflecting to herself, ¡°I¡¯ve never liked tearing humans myself, always delegating that to others. Even though I¡¯ve always craved their flesh, few times have I put them to death." He appeared to just be coming to terms with his situation. Huse Napasa continued before the man could make a response, with a forced sort of cheerfulness barely kept together, ¡°Oh, but death doesn¡¯t await you! Be happy; you¡¯ll become an Idol! This quaint little spirit will hollow you out and twist its tendrils into you as I have this bird''s fleshy bodies. Isn¡¯t that honorable?¡±


    We kept walking in silence for some moments. The old man appeared emboldened by some words said, immortal like a stubborn pest, and proclaimed, ¡°May I ask a question?¡± I mockingly agreed in Huse Napasas stead, ¡°Of course you may ask her anything! I am sure she would be happy to answer.¡± I got closer to it, and asked it ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you, my oh-so dear friend?¡± I desired nothing more than tearing all that deities'' stolen idols apart, establishing my creations triumph over that fat bird''s corpses. I would become an object of devotion, and in due time, a god. It appeared to wish to keep composure and replied cheerfully enough. ¡°Of course.¡±


    The man eventually managed to get out, ¡°Whom?¡± The spirit responded to him soon enough, ¡°What does it matter?¡± He muttered something to himself and loudly repeated, ¡°To whom.¡± Huse Napasa appeared reluctant to answer but once more built up a shaky veneer of cheerfulness. Did it get like this any time it faced a Mexihuacan with such heavy topics? ¡°Why, you¡¯ll be the vessel, the idol, of one of the Qese Rilu! A most shameful mockery of them at any rate.¡± The man looked at her with a look of utmost disgust. If he looked at me like a foul thing he stepped on, he looked at the spirit as though it was half a worm he found wriggling in a bright fruit. He held himself up in an air of arrogance, a truly godlike posture of imposing authority as we walked even with his shameful bruises and wrinkled, sagging flesh.


    ¡°You disgust me,¡± he snarled to her, ¡°Sinking to such lows. If only the great Gigo Rrere could see this, oh I am sure he¡¯d spit, he¡¯d vomit in your wretched face.¡± His face was full of disgust, of arrogance, and more. I made a signal to Pipo, a small one, and the man was beaten. I hadn¡¯t liked his tone, but I regretted doing so at seeing the way Huse Napasas host appeared to freeze and then quiver with rage. He saw this too and emboldened went back to a more painful and miserable poem but continued, ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯ve to say to you. Propping up the grandest of Infidels which Gi-¡± He was cut short by the terrible claws and beaks of horrible, both to sight and ear, mockeries of birds which tore his flesh. Some of his blood glutted the dark earth full of its cheerful mind and bodiless spirits winding around endless roots.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you, miserable wretch, dare use that name against me! You think you know my Lord better than I do, eh, arrogant, arrogant, miserable man! You think I do not hate the Culiqaquists, the ones who removed me from my rightful temple and turned me away like stray dogs. Why, even your insults haven¡¯t angered me more than the very memory of their saint just now! But remember, do remember, even though I know you are a brainless worm, lowest of the low, that glorious god¡¯s insolent daughter was the one who struck him down!¡± With flaming disgust it finished, ¡°That one which I know you worship, useless, useless, useless Nolina!¡± Huse Napasa calmed herself for a moment. By this point Pipo and Relino had gripped forth terrible weapons, bloodthirsty daggers. It wouldn¡¯t be good if that arrogant goddess slew our man in a fit of rage, pierced a major artery or something of the like. But I thought this a perfect chance and whispered to Relinos ear, ¡°Perhaps you won¡¯t have to sneak information out from the other, lesser spirits. Let them talk and fight, I¡¯ll tell you when to strike it down.¡± After a moment I added, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare disappoint me.¡±


    Under shock the old man gripped his wounds, seeing the blood and that now accompanied his bruises. They weren¡¯t lethal if he didn¡¯t get them infected, something he wouldn¡¯t have to worry the slightest bit about once my precious spirit possessed him. He looked at his wounds, as if with a sense of disgust which soon turned into vibrant elation, as though a bolt of lightning had brought him holy knowledge. He soon began to chuckle, ¡°I see what you are doing. You remind me of my brother. You are lying to yourself. Perhaps you¡¯re right, then you ought to realize he wouldn¡¯t even recognize you as one of his if he saw you as you are now. You¡¯re wretched, more than me. If you think it is not so, you never truly were a goddess of this land.¡±


    She moved back, as though all her empty shells were physically struck. It-she, frankly matters little now, began to mutter loud enough for others to hear, perhaps unintentionally, ¡°It is only temporary. The necromancers spirit-it, will be destroyed soon enough. I only want to build up hope, then snatch it from them. I¡¯ll have some followers. He¡¯ll-he¡¯d like it, he¡¯d understand-his son learned to crucify the infidels from him after all-yes, Qejonu did. I won¡¯t allow his son''s corpse to be dishonored for long, I¡¯ll put it to rest. I just-I need to get stronger. He would understand. His daughter must die, yes, she must. I¡¯m loyal to him. Yes, yes.¡± It kept whispering things like that to itself, its mind stirred into a potent storm by the galloping winds.


    I¡¯d never, not with a thousand jests, managed to turn the spirit into that shrivelling mess. I suppose I never knew much more than the barebone of the story. I was glad though, I know its plan now. I overestimated it- It thought too highly of itself and too lowly of my creations'' sheer strength. That would prove expensive for it, for her, yes, very much so. The old man stood up and looked at the shriveling messes in front of him. Seeing an opening he instinctively tried to run but Pipo and Relino struck him with the wooden rods once more.


    He fell in pain, and in between such a thing all he did was look at the rising sun. He appeared to have obtained an epiphany and grinned before calmly saying in a tone meant to incite anger,¡°You are a fool. Your schemes are useless and dishonorable. If you had the bravery for it, you would end your existence as his last son did.¡± Huse Napasa appeared to have bubbled into boundless rage, endless sadness, ¡°You useless worm. He would understand everything. I will not, simply can¡¯t let myself die. But you-now, I see why that dragon wanted to kill you. I¡¯ll finish the job for her.¡± The beast chuckled darkly, and failed to see how the old man''s face lit up with naught but the utmost joy. ¡°Now, what organ would you like to lose fi-¡±


    It never managed to finish its sentence. One of my Acolytes struck the avatar which had uttered such words with the fearsome dagger. It proved accurate, and the mockery of a bird''s head was removed clean off. The other one speared another one with the same glimmering steel weapon, short yet deadly. A third I threw a knife through its brains. It was delightful and accurate, and I relished in seeing Huse Napsas other possessed corpses move around like a bunch of headless chicken. The forest shook with fearsome bugs, flying scorpions, bearing poison. I suppose the living corpses which didn¡¯t talk whispered for them outside our atencion. Possessed too where they by the spirit. Our attacks, though, helped to calm it as the fearsome things retreated back into the darkness. I cheerfully said to them both, grinning wildly due to my barely contained anticipation, ¡°My good friends, all of you! Stop with this brutal fighting. It is a cheerful time, a god is about to come into being! Let us be merry and merciful!¡±


    It was a strange effect, that I said this as I made signs to Pipo and Relino that they beat the old man once more, I delighted in it, and as I choked another of Huse Napasa¡¯s horrible mockeries with a piece of cloth. An aggressive one that refused to stand down. The old man''s face shifted into the utmost sadness. I know, for certain, he realized he wouldn¡¯t be leaving this entirely. His soul and mind may be destroyed, but his body would become the puppet of another deity. I felt like a proper master once more. Huse Napasa appeared to recollect what she had said and apologized to me, ¡°Oh, please do understand-I didn¡¯t mean what I said! Those were naught but feeble intrusive fantasies- I adore your plan! I¡¯ll do whatever you plan!¡±


    I said with the utmost joy the following lies, ¡°Of course I believe you, and forgive you! Are we not friends? All of us have a purpose in my grand plan!¡± I gestured to Pipo and Relino to continue the walk by beating the elder once more. The man let out a yelp, ¡°Please, have compassion, do you not want the best for your god?¡± I simply laughed, ¡°Your wounds are nothing, old man. Do as I say, lest my sons beat you once more.¡± I hummed a merry tune as all this took place, unable to contain my joy, uncharacteristic of me though this all seemed.


    I was simply so wretchedly excited!

 Chapter Eight-Creation

    The Chronicles of the Apostles of Kujumanacali


    The morning of the coming of the great steward was a most auspicious one. The great festivals had long since become a shadow, only memory. Lazy dogs and goblins remained sleeping in the shades of the trees, those which had risen up from the dark earth. A dreary sort of atmosphere still hung as all knew that dreadful demon remained present and dreadful as always.


    Despite that Qisigu had gathered up his family members, ¡°Juja, Sugihu, how good to see you!¡± They only nodded at him as the three of them mounted their horses. Sugihu looked around and commented brightly, ¡°A beautiful day it is!¡± Juja nodded as well, yet commented, ¡°Indeed, even if the dreaded demon''s claws have wrapped themselves around all things.¡±


    Qisigu only chuckled brightly at that even as Sugih''s mood appeared to be brought down, ¡°Ah, enough of that. What does it matter if we live or die?¡± He looked up at the dreadful sun, wretched if somehow beautiful Kabam. A horrible equal to the good Lord. ¡°All deaths benefit him in the end. Are you not eager to see those around us who have died.¡± His tone turned more emotional for a moment, ¡°I am.¡±


    Both of them didn¡¯t know quite how to respond to such a statement. Sugihu did manage to intercept, ¡°Well-let''s go hunting at any rate! We¡¯ve taken long enough.¡± Qisigu cheerfully nodded and the three embarked in their way with their hounds and fearsome weaponry. They chatted away for some time as they saw the eyes of the ever present Huse Napasa present in the form of the beasts of the field. The trees stood up high, fearsome pillars of wood. All of which had survived the endless fearsome storms. Who knew how much longer they would survive against a demon''s schemes.


    Juja and Sugihu eventually whispered to one another. Juja started, seeming a mixture of fearful and tired. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it is simply my mind failing me. But does it seem to you that more of those creatures have gathered?¡± He looked around, at the winged scorpions and the curious birds and said to his cousin, ¡°That¡¯s part of the reason I agreed to go on this hunt. Others have complained about this.¡±


    He sharply gritted his teeth in not truly anger but rather fear, the kind that gnaws into bones themselves, ¡°Don¡¯t suppose you heard about it, the few who came up only told me and Qisigu. But I think you all are right. The demon is planning something.¡± Juja asked, ¡°But what?¡±Qisigu chuckled at that and branded his fearsome spear, that kind meant to hunt the ever-mighty boar. Ready to make a proclamation to the spirit following them.


    ¡°You coward, all you ever do is stand there and try to intimidate us. Useless wretch! You are more useless and brainless than the meanest dog, the most braindead fish!¡± Juja attempted to say to him, ¡°Please, little bro-¡± Yet he gave up with immense speed as Qisigu didn¡¯t even acknowledge him, ¡°Even if you did come down to fight us, I wouldn''t be scared! You are nothing but Kabams puppet in the end-and whether we live or die, we¡¯ll serve Culiqaque.¡± He chuckled madly, ¡°How little you know us and our mighty God, even after all this time!¡±


    He stayed there chuckling for some time. Yet the beasts didn¡¯t appear to pay him no heed. They were great in number, greater than they had been the week they hunted prior. But they didn¡¯t care. Qisigu eventually calmed himself and joyfully said to both Juja and Sugihu, ¡°Let¡¯s go! We¡¯re here to hunt after all!¡± They nodded, and followed behind him.


    The hunt itself was an event of little note, there wasn¡¯t any great thing which occurred. They caught the boar, a regular one which fought and died as a beast without any influence of a demon. Juja was greatly relieved at heart, and Qisigu whispered to the corpse, to himself, and to Huse Napasa, ¡°See the strength humankind truly has. I wish this were you, Huse Napasa, defiled and humbled!¡±


    The truly strange things of note, only occurred after the hunt had reached its end. The three of them, even Qisigu himself, were momentarily frightened as it seemed like the forest entered at war with itself, all things that moved and crawled moving one against the other, the winged scorpions setting flight against one another. The Beatles rose up against the worms. Even the birds began to desperately claw at one another with fearsome strength. Their lifeless bodies sunk into the ground, where messes of tendrils moved. It seemed as though the trees themselves bled as the oozing entity of a spirit began to leave their designated vegetal hosts.


    Both Sugihu and Juja were gripped by immense fear. Juja attempted to speak, but only memories of the prior times such conflict had broken out flashed through his mind. He spoke in garbled sentences, unable to say anything. Sugihu, while momentarily terrified, soon calmed himself with logical thought, ¡°It is alright,¡± he muttered to himself, and then more loudly proclaimed, ¡°It is all alright! This is but a small skirmish between Huse Napasa and some nameless demon. Only on this little spot of the forest¡± He chuckled in a forced sort of manner, and Juja finally joined, ¡°W-why this was nothing but a weightless spook!¡±


    Qisigu nodded and in a disappointed sort of manner said, ¡°So will it be. You¡¯re most likely right.¡± Truly, he must admit he desired for either obliteration or an act of genuine communication from the divine. Not to the world through the stars, but to him. A selfish sort of desire, but one which he could not burn out. He knew, though, most likely neither thing would come.


    The fear slowly started to mount within both Sugihu and Juja as they kept walking. The forest unfurled before them like a scroll. But truly, it seemed as though the inkwell had spilled. It was full of destroyed carcases of insects, of birds and even some mammals they found every once in a while. The active combat continued as bugs attempted to devour one another. They ended up leaving the boar as countless arthropods wiggled into it and made it a nest, a massacre, a site of battle. The eyeballs burst under the weight of a hundred mandibles, the skin unraveled to reveal the flesh underneath. They finally let go of the thing, and let it wriggle there. The trees are bloody remnants of Huse Napasa, that dark black melting goop which oozed out of countless plants.


    ¡°By the good Lord,¡± Sugihu whispered, driven to his wits end and shaking like a leaf, ¡°What is going on? There were no great warnings or ultimatums, it makes no sense-why would it have escalated to such widespread conflict.¡± He scratched himself to the point of drawing blood,  ¡°Why, why, why,¡± Juja appeared, somehow, in a way, entirely calm, ¡°What does it matter? We were fools to take a demon seriously. Although I think something greater than Huse Napasa is here.¡± Sugihu turned his head up to see him but recoiled once he saw the utterly devastated look in his cousin''s eyes.


    ¡°We¡¯re dead. We¡¯re all going to die in this. Maybe Nolina came to do to us what her brother did not!¡± Sugiu said all this in a quivering tone. He chuckled dryly and softly, ¡°What can we do?¡± Qisigu looked around at the carnage and appeared, above all other things, triumphant. Ascendant. ¡°Nothing!¡± He cheerfully said, ¡°It is all in the hands of the good Lord!¡±


    He looked around and appeared ecstatic, ¡°I think it is going to send a blight after this, you¡¯re correct, it most likely is Nolina, and we¡¯ll all starve.¡± He scratched himself, ¡°I would hope it was one of the Qese Rilu, but we all know how foolish that thought it was!¡± His horse ended up scratched with some thorns, but strangely none of the creatures came close even though the battle was going down. Nevertheless, he barely even slowed that down and continued, ¡°This was the work of a mighty demon, like Nolina.¡± He made a comment, ¡°It wasn¡¯t an even battle-it was a massacre.¡±


    He looked at the sky adoring, before turning at the forest with hatred but respect, and back again to heaven, ¡°I¡¯ll fight you in heaven soon enough, Kabam, soon enough. When will you realize all your actions are to our benefit!¡± This somber kind of mood hit the three of them. Juja appeared to have seen death and while not desiring death was no longer capable of going against it. Sugihu desperately attempted to convince himself none of what occurred around him truly was true. Qisigu had fallen to a strange sort of logic.


    ¡­.


    The Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    Things were not much better back at the settlement. Everything had started pleasantly enough, the dreadful sun providing warmth for all things. People were on edge but they fulfilled their own labors, not having ended in spite of the harvest season, so brutal that it was, finally coming to an end. There were three times more guards settled around the corn than there usually were, even though they all knew their meager spears couldn¡¯t damage the spirit if it possessed a cloud of locusts or sent a blight its way.


    The farmer and raiser of chickens, Rruluro Qiniri, said that he had been resting within a mat on the floor. He was enjoying the quiet wind that battered him as he slept close to his granddaughter before the sun showed her face. A voice dreadfully whispered in his ears, ¡°Inane fool! You know not of the joy and grief that awaits your people. But sleep! Sleep ever onward.¡± He¡¯d grown accustomed to such dreams, yet they still troubled him. That demon, he supposed, delighted in tormenting those who couldn¡¯t defend themselves whispering as they slept.


    That morning he tried to act as though all was normal, helping his granddaughter, Sujihu Gigo fulfill their daily duties, the cooking of meals, even though he was nowhere near as capable as when she only reached up to his knees. ¡°You can rest, grandfather,¡± she sweetly yet firmly said to him, ¡°I¡¯m older now, I¡¯m fourteen. I can take care of you now. Rest.¡± Eventually he nodded and went away. Sometimes he doubted he was even of any help in such things.


    As they ate she, having known him since she was very little, asked him, ¡°Something wrong, grandfather?¡± After he took too long to say, ¡°Of course not, of course not Sujitha.¡± She looked worriedly out of the window, and in a sorrowful manner said,  ¡°I know you, grandfather. That demon bothers you more often than not.¡± After he stayed silent she apologized, ¡±I¡¯m sorry I mocked you the first time it happened. Please, talk to me.¡± Not having the heart to say anything to her, most disturbed by how succinct and to the point the message had been compared to its usual speeches, he said, ¡°It is nothing, it is nothing.¡± So he hoped.


    ¡­


    Qasipeqi hadn¡¯t been doing much of note when the forest erupted into a terrible battle with itself. He¡¯d been watching over the sheep, who devoured the drier but still present grasses with great joy and in vast abundance. He liked the job, reasonably so. It gave him time to think, which at times was unbearable but which he found pleasing at the moment.


    It was a quiet afternoon, Kabam shone with her ever-terrible strength upon them all. Even in autumn, the sun-baked land remained rather warm. The birds joyfully sang, the grass peaceably grew, grasshoppers hung around and battled one another with songs.


    All at once, like a gun whose powder ends up burning abruptly and erupts with terrible strength, the forest erupted into terrible war. The bugs began to fly and move, from terrible flying scorpions to tiny maggots. Mighty beasts began to tear at one another, many in number, if not great in size.


    ¡°By the great god Culiqaque!¡± he let fly as he abruptly stood up, ¡°What is happening!?¡± He spent a single moment incapable of movement, as though stuck by terrible lighting, but a terrible bleat from the sheep ran out, pulling him out of his brain. He attempted to run over to it, he knew it was a lame one with a kind of disease. As though drawn to its weakness, the terrible insects and birds gathered and tore it alive, its blood spilling into the ground as the insects crawled into its warm flesh.


    With a sorry bleat, it fell over, having perished with quickness by the overwhelming poison. With a terrible yell he called out to his flock, good shepherd that he was, ¡°Come, come and follow me!¡± He waved his staff around the air even if he knew it was of no use. Scaring a wolf or one of the feathered bipeds was one thing, they had cunning and a desire for life. But he knew it from his great uncle''s stories; this was a battle of demons. Nothing other than empty shells stood there. Their host''s life was but a dream for those demons.


    They appeared to stay away from the strong and healthy animals. Nevertheless, all he could feel was fear. They followed him as he ran through the well-worn paths. He was shocked for a moment as he felt something black, neither like water nor like honey, moresoe like fresh blood, falling from the tree tops. It appeared as though the forest itself was bleeding, and as the trees were moved by the wind, those around the dirt path. Even though it may be his mind playing tricks on him, it appeared like the trees themselves were gasping in pain.


    His heart beat so fast he thought it might burst from his chest and go galloping away. Yet he still ran. That fear grew even moresoe as he beheld a pair of ram-looking things locking horns with one another. They only resembled rams in the same way a tadpole resembles a fish. They were engaged in a fearful competition. Oozing blood cloaked one more than the other. He struggled to keep running even as he heard a voice from one of them, ¡°Help me, I beg you. This can¡¯t be! he-¡± The voice was cut short and so he ran, not finding within himself the bravery to look back.


    By the great gods grace most of his sheep remained alive, still kicking and moving with him. ¡°How?¡± he asked himself, and soon shook his head. Perhaps the demons were like wolves and the feathered bipeds, picking at the very weakest and most miserable prey. He offered a quick prayer to the Qese Rilu, one which wasn¡¯t elegant. It was born out of the utmost desperation, ¡°Please-please. Protect me. Project us,¡± he added quickly enough, ¡°If it goes to your will. Please, it''s just-just-¡± he continued, with only some strength, ¡°I should be stronger, less sentimental. But¡­we don''t want to die.¡±


    He entered the town, which seemed to be engaged in absolute madness. Men, women, and children alike ran around, from place to place. Only the wretched Kabam herself could¡¯ve known what was occurring at that time for certain. Everyone whispered, went to and fro. The corpse of a calf was sprayed out in front of the holy tree, guts like great and twisting eels all around it and the blood spraying the ground, at least some of it.


    A great mass of people were found in the town square. There were less than there normally came to ceremonies, but their disorganized aspect made it seem far greater. Like a whirlpool. An old woman, a migrant to the town by the name of Qereju Qejuniqose gripped his brown arm with terrible strength. ¡°You are here, noble one.¡± With her terrible eyes she stared at his very soul, ¡°Where is Qisigu?¡± He struggled to come up with an appropriate response, debating whether to tell the truth, an assertion or an outright lie. The former won, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I-.¡± With that she bellowed out, ¡°Qisigu is dead!¡± And the people already agitated, began to further whisper and yell to one another, like a headless chicken.


    He glared at the old woman, and in a fearful tone said, ¡°He is not dead. He-he can¡¯t be. Why are you riling them up so much!?¡± The woman struck him with a terrible wooden staff, causing him great pain. He only barely held himself from attacking her with his own staff in return, but his chivalry persevered. ¡°Quiet, young man, you need to learn how to think. If you haven¡¯t seen him out there, all signs point to his death.¡± He wondered what in the name of all things was wrong with that violent woman''s brain, and therefore blotted out anything worthwhile from her words. Only his parents could strike him if they so choose. He attempted to scream out, ¡°Everyone, calm yourselves! ¡±He was interrupted both by another hit from the staff and a foreign merchant Maja Manani who said to them all, ¡°You fools! They¡¯re dead-and soon we will be too! Why waste our last moments?¡±


    A response came from one of the other members of the town, a younger one, ¡°Why? Why? Are we trees? We must stand and battle until our time has come-we come from a warrior tribe!¡± Hoots of agreement resounded. Maja laughed and said to them all, ¡°You think this is fighting. Penani Nolina hasn¡¯t come to do battle with us-she came to transplant herself here.¡± Someone else said, ¡°Can you even be certain it is Nolina.¡± He snarled and said, ¡°This is her brothers, her victims land, is it not? Her soldiers will come to take. Then she¡¯ll slaughter all who remain through plague and famine. That¡¯s how great demons fight.¡±


    Silence and rage abounded in the populace. A woman, the same Qereju said to the population which simultaneously grieved and raged with unheard of power. ¡°Wait,¡± she croaked to them all, ¡°Wait.¡± Since nobody listened to her she picked up once more the great big staff and began beating all who stood in her way with it. Groans of pain and blood oozed out. Hence she obtained silence. ¡°About time you fools started listening to me,¡± she said, grumbling, deaf to the cries and pleas, ¡°I come from another town-one destroyed by Qejonu long ago. He did the same to us as his sister is now doing here. I was one of the girls stolen by the soldiers as part of their loot-took me years to go free. There is a way to survive this ordeal, if not in body then in spirit.¡±


    A sense of recollection was seen in the native elders, those who remembered the ages prior to the purges, long before Qisigus uncle reached the holy seat, she continued on, ¡°A young woman without physical or mental defect must be picked. She is to be off-¡± A man cut her off with spitting rage, ¡°You inane fool! Have you forgotten that we have no priest-not even any from the properly pure bloodline! Your plan will only multiply our sufferi-¡± He was cut off with great fury as she rammed his face with a terrible staff that moved his flesh and made a great lump on him. He went out crying like a child, ¡°My tooth!, M-m-¡± With a mock movement of the staff he left whimpering without  word


    She appeared bitter at that but soon continued, ¡°Is it not through suffering that the world goes round? The good Lord bleeds, dies and burns for us-ever and ever. A priest kills people mercifully, a broken neck, a quick decapitation, a slit of a throat.¡± She smiles greatly, ¡°But my tribe were servants of the good lord since before the first Ojotillas enacted their terrible plan and traded one evil out for another. Back in the old covenant, before the Seven Wandering stars joined in heaven, it was not so-¡±


    A child screamed out at her before his mother could shut him up, ¡°Get to the point you stupid old woman!¡± She looked at him with merely a glare that made him curl up into himself at the terrible things which occurred. His mother dragged him aside. She smiled widely, ¡°Very well. We must bury a young woman alive. Her pain will make her our holy guide, burn out her sin.¡± Murmurs rang out in between the crowd, some pleased and understanding and others in disbelief. She snarled at all of them, ¡°Have you fools forgotten the horrible ways the good Lord had died for us, broken on wheel, hanged on the cross, starved of hunger, frozen in the cold.¡± She calmed herself and thereafter explained, ¡°So we must suffer for him. The girl will die clawing alone in the darkness, as Culiqaque during his fall. Only then will our spirits. Survive, though the living will never know.¡± The spirits of the dead are incapable of communicating with those of the living, thus why necromancy is but a chimeric farce.


    There were murmurs within the crowd as people began to furiously argue amongst themselves. Qasipeqi would¡¯ve spoken but the old woman once more hit him with the staff, another pained groan leaving him as the attention had shifted away from her. Few saw and none cared. ¡°Silent, young man, until I say so. You aren¡¯t yet grown, noble one.¡± Oblivious to this, a murmur came from the native elders of the town, who said to them, ¡°She is telling the truth.¡± Silence fell over them for some time, ¡°It is said the great saint himself saw it done when he was but a child.¡± Another elder said, ¡°The texts were lost before the last priest came on, but we remember.¡± A final voice said, ¡°Let us pray the good Lord takes our intent into account.¡± In spite of themselves, all couldn¡¯t find it but to say or at least think by instinct, ¡°May it be so.¡±


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    A great debate occurred, everyone crying out to each other, some proclaimed, ¡°Qisigu isn¡¯t dead! At least wait for him!¡± The old woman Qereje shook her head and spoke out, ¡°They aren¡¯t priests. It would matter naught. Although he is most certainly dead. We need to hurry.¡± a man shook his head and said to them all, ¡°You all are fools! More demons are among us than I had first assumed!¡± At last the old woman said to them all, ignoring that last comment, ¡°Who would offer herself to the great Lord, he who has made the world and given us all things?¡±


    Yet, she was met with silence. Resoundingly so. None came forward, all appeared to wait for others to advance. Her face began to turn with rage and indignation of the very highest quality, pure and unfiltered emotion. Before anything could be said a voice came out, that of Gigos,  ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± The rooster vendor took some moments to process such words, that old Qiniri.


    He looked at the girl beside him. Her words repeated themselves in his ears. Endlessly so. He grabbed hold of her and hugged her tightly just as she began to walk, falling down but holding on ever strongly, ¡°NO! No, no, no, you won¡¯t go. Don¡¯t be a fo-¡± A great amount of people, arms without faces to him grabbed ahold of him and pulled him back with great strength. He attempted to move forward, but what is a single man against the many?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, smiling at her grandfather, ¡°We¡¯ll see each other once more in the heavens. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡± The rest of the ceremony was a blur to him as he stood on the floor, restrained, struggling until his old body betrayed him and didn¡¯t provide him strength. He vaguely remembers yelling, yelling, but he isn¡¯t sure of when it was he who yelled and when others did so.


    The old woman nodded solemnly and took the young woman''s hand within hers, fourteen to sixty four, a rift of forty years standing between the two women. Both heading to death in their own ways, in their own time. ¡°We thank you. The good Lord smiles upon you.¡± A man from the crowd muttered, ¡°But without a priest!?¡± She glared at him, and he went quiet. ¡°There are many small villages without priests,¡± she continued, ¡°The good Lord has accounted for the necessity of human sacrifices.¡± The elders, the heads of the greatest families nodded in solemn agreement.


    ¡°Do you all see,¡± the woman muttered to them. By this point most had come to accept the necessity of a sacrifice, seeing as no such burial had yet taken place. Even Qejonu had made explicit that he didn''t wish to eliminate the former subjects of such an honorable tribe. But the destruction of a reasonably mighty deity with such haste couldn¡¯t be ignored. It was her, and Nolina was not sentimental. Qereje now made a sign with her hands, Qasipeqi coming. She said to him, gripping him with her wrinkled brown hand, ¡°Say some prayers. and talk with the sacrifice-those duties you can do. You may answer.¡® He nodded and said, ¡°I will.¡± Her grin widened and she gestured to him to continue with it.


    The ceremony itself was nothing of very great note, a box was brought to house the sacrifice to the good Lord, to be buried in a sacred place. A hole to breathe from was made, so as to prolong the process and create the maximum amount of suffering for the sacrificial victim. Those who didn¡¯t participate in the creation of the thing could do nothing, nothing other than watch as the instrument of death was woven into existence.


    ¡°Hello,¡± he commented to her, ¡°Will you give your steadfast life to the great Culiqaque?¡± She nodded upon seeing him and said, ¡°Of course. Someone has to do it, why not me?¡± He nodded once more, before looking glumly at the ground. He casted a lot of prayers to the great god Culiqaque in front of the young woman. Soon enough he asked, ¡°Do the best you can once you ascend.¡± She looked at him and said, ¡°The good Lords will be done.¡±


    He nodded at that soon enough, ¡°Indeed.¡± After a moment he commented, ¡°You¡¯re brave. Very, very brave. I don¡¯t think I could do what you did.¡± She didn¡¯t seem to know how to respond to that, so it seemed to him. ¡°Someone has to do it,¡± she repeated, ¡°Might as well be me. I¡¯m just¡­ worried for my grandfather.¡± She looked at him with a sort of desperation in her soft brown skin and eyes, ¡°I know we aren¡¯t awfully close, we¡¯re only barely friends, but could you watch over him?¡± She looked at the floor, ¡°I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t exactly be joyous when I die. He grieved greatly when your grand-uncle died.¡±


    In a more sudden she said to him, ¡°Only if you can, of course.¡± He looked at her and slowly  nodded, ¡°It is the least that I can do.¡± The old woman Qereje said to them all, ¡°It is done! Come with me, things will start and go soon.¡±


    It went by awfully quickly, but to Qasipeqi it felt as though time had stretched itself out as far as it could, a few minutes into an eternity. He said the holy words, the myriad blessings, public rather than the prior personal ones. He couldn¡¯t help but feel pity, horror and a sort of disgust as her very flesh was nailed to the wooden walls of the box turned coffin. ¡°You know we have to do it, young man.¡± Qereju didn¡¯t appear furious for once, and all he could do was nod.


    The wretched sun looked upon them all with its hateful glare, ever watchful, ever horrible. Soon, one of its spawn would level that town to the ground and slaughter its inhabitants with its people. Soon enough.


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepe¡¯s Journal


    The old man was dragged with great force as they approached that wretched place we called home. ¡°Hurry up!¡± I cheerfully said to him, ¡°Be merry! You are about to be reborn!¡± The old man''s fire hadn¡¯t yet been smothered, but it was certainly more limited than it had been before, chained up and muted like a caged, starving dog. Yes, I think that is fitting. He followed us like one after all.


    Relino and Juja, while their senses were nowhere near on par a fearsome deity could tell something seemed off. Relino spoke up, ¡°The forest smells rather curious.¡± Huse Napasa refuted quickly enough, ¡°Oh, that little project of your lot has spread all around. I¡¯ve let it do so-It¡¯ll give it more credibility.¡± I chuckled at that, perhaps laughed like a child.


    ¡°What is so funny to you?¡± So she questioned me. I responded after a moment with sternness, ¡°Nothing which would cause you joy.¡± It appeared not to care much and kept guiding us. She commented, wishing to start useless talk,  ¡°That god is about to finally awake, eh?¡± Pipo was the one to talk now, ¡°Yes! I don¡¯t fully understand the whole framework if I am honest, our knowledge is only rudimentary.¡±


    For once, I decided to be honest, ¡°Most necromancers are only known as you. Maybe less. I am glorious, and I was allowed to pick the greatest of your generation.¡± I felt in a good mood at that moment. Relino appeared doubtful and in a tone which was meant to be innocuous said, ¡°Surely they can¡¯t recognize it at that age.¡± I only chuckled, choosing not to take it to heart,  ¡°How little you know the glories of our homeland! Perhaps we¡¯ll return to it one day.¡± I smiled at that. My hope of becoming a Lich has previously gone from a dream to a more realistic sort of plan, but now I realized it could perhaps be made into a genuine reality. The weight of that only just began to sink in. As a god, there would be much more I could do. I could transcend the limits of humanity, triumph against even death.


    I¡¯d always hated how they played with even the grandest humans as though we were naught but toys. But with how delighted I was in being a master, I knew it would feel very different to be the one wielding all the terrible power. I barely remembered the authority I once wielded, but I would far exceed it soon enough. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± so did Huse Napasa take me out of my thoughts, ¡°Do that quaint little ritual of yours, my dear friend.¡±


    That made me smile. How little that spirit truly understood the extent of my power. I assumed my lower estimates of the deities might be correct, but even that should be enough to triumph over that being. It was only a gross mediocrity in all ways.  ¡°I¡¯ll get right to it.¡± I mocked the old man, who by now had primarily sunk into a quiet sort of rage, ¡°Your mind is about to die. Another one will soon puppeteer your body. What do you have to say?¡±


    He nodded, hatred simply spewing from all of his eyes, ¡°Give me a little bit of time, if you will, I have a lot to say.¡± I nodded and cheerfully said to him, ¡°Of course! Let not a single weight on your chest!¡± Only hatred was evident as he looked at me, ¡°All of my life I have tried to live according to the teachings of the mighty Ojotillas and of the true patrons of our people. The great gods, Gigo Rrere, Qejonu, Penani Nolina, the Tamer of the Flame, Melolo Migeru. Mighty gods.¡± He snarled at Huse Napasa, ¡°She may have many sins bearing on her back, but at least Nolina knows how to act when it comes to the heretics and Infidels.¡±


    It didn¡¯t say anything to him, but its avatars appeared none too pleased by all of that, and clawed at the bark of mighty trees. ¡°I have tried to defend the systems they set in place. But I see now why our society is failing,¡± he chuckled for the first time I¡¯ve seen him do such a thing, ¡°How can the flock survive when its leaders, my town''s patron deity, that disgusting dragon, you, Huse Napasa, care nothing for them? Using a trio of Infidel madmen to kill me?¡± He spat at the ground, ¡°I hate you. I hate all of you. The Ojotillas never came to a consensus, but if we do have souls.¡± He looked at all of us with a fearsome glare and with an unhappy tone said to us all, ¡°I will lurk behind all of you, and I will ensure your bloodlines meet every misfortune that is possible. I can imagine no future worse than this-to become an empty shell for a foreign deity.¡±


    He appeared to stare at the mighty trees. I said to him cheerfully, ¡°Are you done, my good man.¡± he spat out, ¡°Indeed, madman. Do your deed.¡± My smile grew wide, as I pulled back my lips like an ape does to reveal a wide and joyous smile. ¡°Excellent! Pipo, Relino, I¡¯ve told you two what you ought to do.¡± Without further ado they grabbed the man with furious strength and made him taste the earth. With some tools we¡¯d left there, they secured him to the ground. Like a corpse being staked or restrained by superstitious people who don¡¯t understand just how a spirits or vampires power works and believe they can grab any rotting body for their purposes.


    I picked the holy dagger, cutting myself with a good vein on the arm, far away from key tendons, and letting the blood into the dark earth. Another cut I made for the body of the old man in the same place was a small one. Dark tendrils rose up soon enough, awoken by the blood I spilled. I was its maker, though the spirit may not know it consciously, I had woven into it strict orders as to what I ought to do. Huse Napasa asked me, ¡°Don¡¯t you need to give it any orders?¡±


    I chuckled, ¡°It knows what it ought to do. I am the grandest Necromancer of my generation. All is accounted for.¡± It remained silent after that. The process was in a way both slow and fast. The man agonizingly screamed as the dark black tendrils wormed their way into him slowly, something neither plant nor animal, thin and inuman yet carrying unthinkable power and an ancient tradition within them.


    He began begging after the pain began to dull down, before it once more became powerful, ¡°Please! Please! The pain-just-just make it stop! I said to him with a tinge of sympathy, one of the few I would give him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re already dead. None can save you. You¡¯re wasting your time.¡±. It continued even more scared and desperate,¡± I was wrong! You are glorious! What do you want me to say! Just-just¡­.m-make it stop.¡± I responded to it comfortingly enough, in a factual manner,  ¡°Soon enough the pain will become too great for you to think about it. Then, you won¡¯t be able to think at all. Your body will no longer be yours.¡±


    Tears left his eyes, and, soon enough, the whole ordeal appeared to have come to its zenith. The man''s muscles stopped twitching, the eyes stopped crying, it all became quiet and cold in spite of the warmth the great sun so mercifully and magnanously provided us. Only I dared speak, ¡°Come, come, son of mine! Oh, great and mighty sun, the heavenly form of the one true emperor that rules on earth, maker of the cosmos, bring me eternal glory through him!¡±


    Of course, my creation didn¡¯t hear, but I hoped the Emperor, the Sun, eternal and boundless that he was would. The limbs twitched for a second, so short it could almost be mistaken for a dream. But soon enough, it proved itself real and tangible as the action was repeated, as the wrinkled old limbs began to move and activate, like a puppet lifted into the hollow stage by the puppeteer, prepared for a show.  My mouth parted slowly into a wide smile.


    I removed the tools Pipo and Relino had pressed into the ground to restrain the sacrifice. I then made a signal with my hands to both Pipo and Relino who went down to the ground as I did. Our limbs hugged the ground, our clothes began dirtier and wetter than they had already been and our heads too touched it. The creature moved automatically with the things that I had instilled into it, remaining there on the ground silently breathing before standing up. I couldn¡¯t see it, but the order of events was easy to make out with what we heard.


    ¡°Worshippers,¡± it said to us without further ado some moments thereafter, ¡°Rise. The good Lord has sent you one of his sons. Your prayers have been answered.¡± I did so dutifully and think I managed to capture a feeling of awe within my face. Pipo and of course accursed Relino somehow managed to make a better one. Nevertheless, I asked, ¡°What is your name, great one?¡± He smiled at us in a sweet sort of manner, like a father looking at his children, and said to us the name I¡¯d given to him, ¡°Kujumancali, glory of the morning star. Sanu Nepe, that is the name the great Lord has picked for me.¡±


    The spirit held the body of the man, that body which now belonged to it entirely, in a far more dignified way than that man could ever achieve. Like a fearsome king, and indeed, the god that it was. ¡°Now, as to deal with you, demon.¡± It pointed to Huse Napasas multiple hosts, the great fungal mind being set into proper consciousness by the human spark I had instilled within it.


    The spirit didn¡¯t appear to care much, and in an unsurprising manner said to my god, speaking to it as though it was nothing but a toy or a child. ¡°Now, now,¡± it said to my god, ¡°You won¡¯t succeed. Go on your way, missionary, your strength is hollow. Leave me to my devices and I shall leave you to yours.¡± I couldn¡¯t discern any expression on my god''s face for a moment, but it soon smiled widely, as if not pained by the bruises on any part of its body or face. It laughed, and kept on laughing.


    ¡°Weak? I¡¯m afraid you ought to look in the mirror. At any rate; you have held this place long enough. I am not the same kind of deity as the one that accompanied Sini Naqihu.¡± My god began to communicate in the strange sort of manner which I know much about but which I can never access so long as I am mortal. It is still based on sound; but different kinds of sound than that common to the human language. Huse Napasa had made some tweaks to the man as he had slept, painful but hasty, to make him capable of accessing it.


    All at once the forest erupted into blatant chaos as a myriad of creatures jumped in the same sort of humm that we received, one which even I could only barely pick up noise. Never since I had come into this town had the gods stirred each other in combat to a degree even I could hear their secret voice. Huse Napasa arrogantly said, ¡°I''ll admit I didn¡¯t think you had actually successfully claimed all those creatures of mine. I thought more of your possessions had failed. But soon enough you¡¯ll learn to respect me, you inane fool.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t all that prolonged, but it soon became clear who had the upper hand in the conflict as it appeared that the creatures Huse napasa utilized were far, far outnumbered and organized in a less noble manner. Their poison had no effect on my god, while Huse Napasa¡¯s hosts fell in scores. It was as if comparing the brutish movements of a blind child to the fearsome punches of a well-trained adult. Yet that was not what caused Huse Napasa fear and repulsion. Rather, that occurred when the trees themselves began to bleed, the thick black fungi dissolving and uncoiling as it fell down onto the black earth.


    ¡°This, this is impossible!¡± It screeched out, genuine fear lacing its tone, as I¡¯d seen men sent to the gallows, not even fit for consumption by the gods. ¡°Even the spirit that aided St. Sini Naqihu couldn¡¯t make me bleed!¡± It was cut silent as the living corpse which had bellowed out such words was torn apart by a mass of flying scorpions. My god stood in the center of the entire ordeal, standing proudly and calmly as though this meant nothing. ¡°Soon enough, there will be nothing left of you, daughter of Kabam. Perish and be silent, no longer haunt us thus.¡±


    The body of a small mammalian creature it possessed spoke somehow both quiet and mighty, ¡°How¡­h-how- could I be bested¡­.. by a-ah, a mere toy. Of all things! I will fight till my last breath!¡± A living corpse even I didn¡¯t know it had possessed descended down. Its wings were like the great sails of a boat, it''s terrible beak like a fearsome spear. It descended over Huse Napasas mammalian creature, the size of a goblin or dog, and blood gurgled from the hole made in its throat. My god tore off some of its flesh before its human part calmly said to the few remaining hosts it had in this clearing.


    ¡°Very well, demon. It won¡¯t take more than an hour or two to rend you apart.¡±


    ¡­


    The Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    A shrill voice, that of a child, broke through the silence, ¡°Qisigu isn¡¯t dead! Qisigu isn¡¯t dead!¡± The people who found themselves employed in their attempt to bring the coffin, complete with the sacrificial victim within it as the old woman Qereje assured them was necessary, were none too pleased by that. ¡°Don¡¯t spread such lies child!¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t lies! I really saw him, and Juja and Sugihu too!¡± Qereju Qejunicose, the old woman soon said to him in a blood-curlingly angry tone, ¡°Child, do you even think about what you¡¯re saying! Inane fool! How else other than Nolina do you explain such an absolute destruction of that demon? Do you suppose Nolina wouldn¡¯t kill them?¡± The boy appeared dumbfounded by the anger and didn¡¯t respond. Taking this as a victory the old woman proceeded to ignore the child even as a pair of strong middle-aged men began to drag him away. He resisted but his continued cries to support his prior claim were entirely ignored by the woman, and indeed, by all present within the entire place.


    Shortly thereafter the crowd dispersed as the sound of horse hooves began to echo from the streets closest to the town.  ¡°It is that demon''s cavalry!¡± multiple voices resounded in such calls, ¡°We are all dead!¡± Othes repeated, ¡°Dead! Dead! We are dead!¡± A somewhat hopeful Qasipeqi muttered to a displeased Qereju, ¡°If they are calvary, it doesn¡¯t sound like a lot of them are there.¡± She didn''t dignify the young man with even a singular response, only striking him in a manner that seemed like an accident.


    Everybody gasped though, as the shape of the three began to be clear. The crowds were dispersed by the large and powerful horses each as imposing as a pair of fearsome mountains. ¡°What,¡± Qisigu asked them all, ¡°are you all screaming about?¡± One of the men pointed to him and with absolute terror said to him, ¡°How are you here!? Ghost! Living Corpse! Are you not dead?¡± Qisigu blinked in surprise and in a mocking way asked, ¡°Do I seem to you like a living corpse, a demonic puppet?¡± He chuckled but upon seeing the genuine terror on everyone''s faces he realized the situation''s weight. He took out a knife and stabbed a vein on himself, one far away from any key tendons.


    ¡°Tell me, all of you,¡± he asked in a calm way, ¡°Would one of those demons willingly suffer pain? I am alive, a servant of the good lord, in both body and spirit.¡± He made a sign to those behind him and Sugihu split both his own blood and that of Juja before they got off their horses. That helped to ease the tension that hung on everybody''s shoulders, but the fear still lurked powerfully. Choking them as the forest creatures and spirits that crawl and sit on a person''s chest in the dark of night. Horrible pranks they were.


    Qasipeqi went down and speedy like a dove hugged his father. He wasn¡¯t capable of holding back a few tears, ¡°I thought you were¡­ dead.¡± The sheer terror and emotion in his voice left him dumbfounded. All Juja could do in response was pat the young man on the shoulders. He composed himself, ¡°What-what happened?¡± Juja attempted to respond to his son, but failed. ¡°We don¡¯t know either,¡± that was what Sugihu said to him in a defeated kind of tone, ¡°All we can do is guess.¡±


    While that went on, all the attention was shifted to Qisigiu, who went on to see the rite, ¡°Now, what is going on. You, your name was Qereje wasn¡¯t it?¡± The woman bowed before him, ¡°Of course, noble one. I¡¯ll explain.¡± She invited him to look unto the sacrificial victim whose blood had by now somewhat clotted. ¡°Surely, great one, you have seen the terrible battle that was waged and won by the foreign power.¡± After a moment she added, ¡°The foreign one won didn¡¯t it?¡± He nodded slowly, and said in a tone of attempted bravado, ¡°You know it''s always hard to tell, but yes, it seemed so.¡±


    They nodded, ¡°At any rate, we assume that to be fearsome Nolina. She is closest to us and is surely hungering for this land. We think her troops will soon arrive to defile us all. We can do nothing for our flesh, but with this sacrifice of pain, we want to make her holy. She can help us. You¡¯ve heard about this rite, I assume?¡± He nodded at her, and grimly said, ¡°I¡¯d hoped we would never have to use it, but yes my uncle taught us about it.¡± He looked down and asked the girl, ¡°You, Pupe Huna, would you consent to give your life through pain to serve Culiqaque and aid our spirits in death?¡± The consent of the sacrificed is of utmost importance for the good Lord, that they accept their death.


    She, in an amount of time he thought sufficient, answered, ¡°I would.¡± In spite of the pain. Qisigu bowed and said, in a simple way which carried unimaginable strength and humble emotion, ¡°We thank you.¡± And so he ordered, ¡°Everything is in order! Let us go; I may not have seen that wretched Nolina but I am sure she is there.¡± He nodded, ¡°We may not be able to save our bodies; but our spirits will go ever onward. Volunteers to help carry the sacrifice?¡±


    Many came forward, from young and strong men to older ones who still retained some of their youthful glory. Sugihu went to organize the music once more, and a somber melody went with them as a majority of the people went behind them, both of the pure and impure bloodlines without any matter as to that.


    They went to a place outside of the town, a place which had marks of previously having grown great plants of maize. He said to them all, ¡°It¡¯s been well over a decade since a human sacrifice was last performed.."He looked away and said, ¡°I am sure this wretched deity will come to finally fulfill her brother''s ultimatum. So let us hurry and get it done.¡±


    Qisigu said some simple prayers, ¡°May the great god Culiqaque one day triumph over Kabam! Let this Hakasa Qapi, this offering to the earth, go through! Let that wretched Penani Nolina one day meet the same horrible fate as her disgusting brother! Let all the spawn of Kabam be destroyed and torn asunder! Let this world be met with obliteration so that the world may be cleansed off its terrible, and horrible rulers! Endless suffering to them! May we all dutifully serve the great god Culiqaque in lofty heaven and ensure this comes to pass. What are bodies but receptacles of the spirit?¡±


    Once those words came through a mighty sound was heard flying through the air. Shocked gasps were heard as a terrible and gigantic creature came through, with the beak of a bird and the wings of mighty bats. With its beak it sped straight through the sacrifice as the brain was crushed and impaled, blood and life leaving all the same. Qisigu staggered back, surprised and fearful in all manners.


    It uttered like fearsome thunder, ¡°The great god Culiqaqu accepts your glorious sacrifices, humans.¡± Qisigu staggered back and brandished a knife, proclaiming to it, ¡°Stand back fearsome spirit! I will not die without a fight, as a martyr ought to.¡± The great creature kept consuming the intestines of the dead sacrifice and as it did so said, ¡°I am afraid you misunderstand, I am the answer of your lord to your prayers.¡± Many went quiet as a voice came from within the crowd, that of a bruised old man, as they both continued, ¡°I am one of the Qese Rilu, a mighty one at that, come to deliver you from the hands of the Infidels.¡±


    Qisigu stood proudly and proclaimed, riling up the spirits of the crowd present, ¡°Why are we to believe your word? Lying spawn of Kabam! To demons we may die but we will first tear as many hosts of yours to pieces as we can.¡± It uttered in a deep, rolling voice counteracting with the aged one of the human and beastial corpses it made move, ¡°Good, good, excellent. The great god Culiqaque picked your tribe for their fearsomeness.¡±


    The fearsome winged pterosaur stabbed itself with its own fearsome beak and blood began to ooze and flow out of it in a swirling river. The man grabbed a knife of his own and stabbed himself in the tongue. The sacrifice of divine blood oozed down from its own being under the watchful gaze of wretched Kabam and Culiqaque external ears. Everyone appeared to be calmed down somewhat by the pious sight.


    Both the human and pterosaur part spoke as it continued, ¡°Good worshippers, the time of change draws near. Test when you can, for while few demons can willingly harm themselves, not all can.¡± Qisigu heard this and appeared to prepare machinations within his mind. Unfazed by all those present, Kujumanacali tore and devoured the raw flesh, calmly commenting,  ¡°What a good sacrifice, although an offering to the earth is unnecessary with me here, her flesh will suffice without suffering. I will make it holy.¡±


    Kujumancali moved his bloodied hand to shake hands with the glorious Qisigu. Qisigu obliged but still eyed the fearsome being in front of him warily, ¡°We will, fearsome spirit. Do know, there is no greater sin than false impersonation of the knowledge of the divine. If you lie, we will cut you to pieces while still alive as one who guesses the eclipse incorrectly.¡± Kujumancali smiled cheerily and laughed as the other living corpse it possessed stood like a ghost or shadow. ¡°As it should be, as it should be.¡±


    He walked off the stage with an air of monarchy and nobility imbued within him, ¡°I¡¯ll be in the streets, anyone who wishes to see me can ask anything which they desire.¡± Yet at that exact moment everyone was much too fearful and overwhelmed. That fearsome creature kept walking without giving any of them the time of day. Qisigu muttered to himself,


    ¡°Everything is so confusing. At least I can make out something large is brewing.¡±

 Chapter Nine

    Sanu Nepes Journal


    I first communicated with the god I created on that very night. Juja asked me without much thought as I went out of the squalid mess we called a house, more sleeping than awake, ¡°Where are you going, father, did we not finish our project.¡± I gritted my teeth in rage and commented, ¡°Inane fool, I will look into the depths of its mind. The deepest recesses of its mind still answer to me, and me alone.¡±


    All moronic lies spread by that squalid Culiqaque, that I now repeated, but useful lies that I could make great use of. ¡°Oh, alright,¡± Juja said in a sleepy sort of manner. I hated how comfortable he seemed in that miserable cot. ¡°Stay safe, ¡®kay?¡± I grumbled at that horrible underestimation of my own strength. I reached the forest soon enough and made my mouth touch the squalid earth. Soon enough I was linked with my terrible deity, that god I made alive. In a way my son, although in a far different way than my acolytes were. I was filled with the utmost pride that I feel no trace of Huse Napasa. Vanquished was she.


    I didn¡¯t talk with my deity, but I dug myself into his mind. It gave way soon enough, the unconscious parts of it remembering well enough who made it. I dug my way to see the images most wary, some raising. I had forgotten how glorious it truly was to see through the innumerable eyes of a god, though it be watered down. ¡°Excellent,¡± I whispered to myself, ¡°It¡¯s more ambitious than I expected, but that won¡¯t last long. Not long at all.¡± Soon, I¡¯ll be a mighty deity, I¡¯ll be unbound by death.


    Culiqaque was just a god like any other, I was sure of that, but his lies were something I could exploit. And I had something amazing brewing in here.


    ¡­


    Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    The great god sat after his glorious proclamation, the host it possessed being the living corpse of an old man with sagging wrinkled brown sin and with feeble strength. Still, it captured an air of ancient nobility. For some time, everyone was scared of approaching the terrible spirit with immense power, too much to even come close to it. Whatever it was, who could be certain. But that beaked beast, so similar and different to the wild beasts, were marks of a skilled deity.


    Eventually, though, a child of ten or eleven years of little note approached it. The great god beckoned him gently, ¡°Come closer, child, do you have anything to say?¡± After the kid approached the great god patted him in the head in a gentle sort of manner. The child asked him, ¡°Are you really one of the Qese Rilu?¡± He tilted his head and kindly said, ¡°Indeed.¡± The child appeared to believe that wholeheartedly merely with the confident tone it had been spoken in, his young mind requiring no other evidence. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen one of the Qese Rilu!¡± Kujumancali chuckled, ¡°But it won¡¯t be last, boy. I have come to open the door for others to come.¡±


    The child then asked, in an apparently unrelated manner, with nothing but curiosity,  ¡°Will you eat more of us?¡± Kujumancali gave that some thought, ¡°Yes. Human flesh is a special boy, precious. The great god Culiqaque requires it to recover his strength and defeat Kabam.¡± The child gave it some thought and soon commented, ¡°I don¡¯t think I want to be eaten. It looked painful. And gross.¡± The great god chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re still young. You¡¯ll realize how wonderful of a death it really is once you¡¯re older. You¡¯ll serve Culiqaque in a higher way than those who aren¡¯t eaten.¡± He chuckled and said to the child, ¡°Now go, to whichever family you have, I am sure they are worrying over you.¡± He obliged quickly enough and left with haste.


    Everything was quiet for some time after that, as nobody else dared to come close. The great god, while not in need of entertainment, marvelled at some ants which scurried in the ground. ¡°Beautiful little creatures,¡± He commented quietly to himself, ¡°So diligent. So organized. Like humanity, in a way.¡± An arrogant young man arrived soon enough and said to him, ¡°Inane fools! Have all of you forgotten quite so soon? Kabam is approaching-this creature is but a sacrificial thief!¡±


    He wrinkled his nose in disgust, ¡°Why, it is nothing more than a miserable old man. I bet he isn¡¯t even a spirit!¡± Someone yelled at him, ¡°Have you lost your wits!? That¡¯s a demon alright, did you not see the great mockery of a pterosaur it possessed!?.¡± The man grew flustered and responded, in between bloody coughs,  ¡°At any rate! My point is that we shouldn¡¯t just trust it! Let it wander like some vagabond-Something needs to be done!¡± The great god Kujumancali came closer to the young man and patted his shoulders. The young man abruptly came to realize just how heavy the pungent smell of dried blood truly was on Kujumancali. The god said, in a pleased manner, ¡°Excellent man! That¡¯s the way to think; All of the Qese Riolu need to be gods not just in strength but in the innermost spirit. They must not be taken on their mere word.¡±


    He tilted his head, ¡°Sadly, we all will have to wait for me to prove my worth. Those truly equipped in theology are still preparing.¡± He opened his palm and an insect flew to it, a fat cockroach. ¡°Here, I can smell an infection on you. Eat this and you will be cured. Might as well start with the physical aspects while the lot makes those of the mind.¡± The young man wrinkled his nose again, ¡°Inane fool, you think I will ingest that!? Why you, useless man!¡± The great god sighed, ¡°It really is a bad infection you got. Now, don¡¯t be stubborn. I only want to help and dutifully prove myself..¡±


    The rage was so great the young man began to cough, uncontrollably for some moments. Once calmed, the young man clenched his teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t treat me as a stubborn child who doesn¡¯t want to do his chores!¡± The great god Kujumancali made a sound illegible to the ears of the human and soon enough the cockroach flew into the mouth of the human, crawling down into it and bursting apart as it kept going. The man attempted to choke it out with force, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It is my spirit inside it, it is my flesh like this. You¡¯ll know health soon enough.¡±


    The young man soon looked at the great god with anger but couldn¡¯t bring himself to have that overwhelming fear, ¡°Why-you! I bet you¡¯re not one of the Qese Rilu-If this kills me I swear-¡± Kujumancali smiled and said to him, ¡°That won¡¯t be true. But if I was at least you¡¯d get the satisfaction of tearing my body to pieces! At any rate-get healthy young man.¡± He backed off with great fear and with mutterings of demons and insanity.


    ¡­


    The great god remained there for some time, the joyous battle-songs of the cicadas and the galloping winds keeping him company. The old woman, Qereje, approached, and questioned him, ¡°You have a lot of nerve, coming in and simply taking a sacrifice for yourself.¡±


    Kujumanacali chuckled and said to her like a teacher approaching a child, ¡°It is not mine, it belongs to the great god Culiqaque. I have simply claimed it for him.¡± She walked around him and eyed him warily, displeased by being talked to in such a manner, seeing as in her household everyone all but worshipped her. ¡°You are certainly a powerful deity, Huse Napasa was far from the pinnacle of strength but she was still one of the Gigo the Conquerors followers. ¡± Seeing no reaction she added, ¡°And she¡¯s gone now. Just like that.¡± He only nodded at her. She asked him to break up the silence after a small moment, ¡°Which towns do you plan on freeing from the control of the Infidels.¡±


    He stopped for a moment and said in a thoughtful sort of manner, ¡°As many as I can, and too will I convert as many as I succeed in doing.¡± She laughed at him, a jeering and wild sort of laugh,  ¡°Well, soon enough we will see the true extent of your honor, Kujumancali.¡± He chuckled and then said to her in a friendly and casual tone, ¡°At any rate, your heart seems rather unhealthy.¡± With some unheard clicks flies approached, ¡°Devour this regularly, and I can give you life. Not too much, but some years perhaps¡± She took some moments to realize just what he was saying but snarled, with a mighty sort of fury,  ¡°As though I will take something from a mere pretender!? I am an honored woman, not some testing beast!¡±


    He tilted his head, and in a sort of rhetorical question asked, ¡°But then how will the truth of my divinity be established in all of your heads? Your honor makes you fit for this¡± She snorted, gripping her terrible stick, ¡°Don¡¯t try and play games with me. If I hadn¡¯t seen that extravagant display of yours I would be striking you with a stick! I¡¯ve never been ashamed to do so.¡± He smiled at her, as though she had kindly offered him sweets of amaranth and honey, ¡°Do so! No true son of Culiqaque shies away from pain.. Take them, and I promise your pain will be away. I only wish to help and fulfill my duties, showcase my ability and benevolence..¡±


    She snarled and said with wild strength,  ¡°That won¡¯t prove you are one of the Qese Rilu.¡± He admitted with haste, ¡°Not by itself, but I wish to help. Now, will you cooperate?¡± She only snarled at him. He shook his head and said, ¡°I had hoped with your closeness to death you¡¯d be more cooperative, but you would do well to remember suffering is precious. Death should come only when the lord desires it. Life ought to be long for those fated for it..¡± She was prepared to walk away when the flies jaggedly flew into her mouth. She attempted to cough them out but failed miserably. They broke apart, their insides injecting into her veins, all sorts of proteins, cells, and compounds worming their way into her bloodstream with bitter and biting pain. It went away as soon as it came.


    Rage overwhelmed her and she struck the great god Kujumanali once before retreating, as though he was some terrible wild beast. ¡°You better haven¡¯t poisoned me, you-you useless creature!¡± He wasn¡¯t bothered by that, entirely unbothered by any pain. As one of the Qese Rilu should.


    So did it for the rest of the day, a few came to question the divinity of the great god Kujumancali, and none dared question him on matters of theology. He didn¡¯t get the chance to truly preach His fles wormed itself into that of all the members of the town, all of the warrior tribe. The great god Kujumancalis'' legitimacy still hung in the balance. As it stood, all feared the terrible god in their own ways.


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepes Journal


    I suppose I should also proclaim the events which took place shortly after my god mde his proclamations, glorious that they were as anything which my creation would be. After he walked away a man around my age, one I barely ever saw commented to me, ¡°What do you think of it, is it a demon or one of the Qese rilu?¡± I shrugged and said to the man, ¡°Who can tell? Seem fearsome though.¡± He nodded, ¡°How can it take such an inconspicuous human form, and yet instill so much fear.¡±


    I took a moment to bathe in the fear and hope of all around me, the ones who with uncharacteristic intelligence recognized the gloriousness of my god. His power and terror. I didn¡¯t respond to the man, but he seemed so busy wallowing in his own thoughts that I let him be. I went close to my acolytes and was about to pull them aside so as to talk to them about how high and mighty I was and how successful my plan had been. As I delighted in doing.


    Of course, as usual that arrogant and inane, utterly wretched, Qasipeqi got to them before me and serenaded us with his meaningless thoughts produced by his tiny, insignificant, mind of barbaric origin. He hugged both Relino and Pipo at the same time and in a tone of utmost relief simply said, ¡°You¡¯re alive!¡± Neither of them appeared entirely sure as to what to respond. Relino hugged him back and patted him in a  sort of quiet embrace, Juja going the same.


    They separated after a moment. Pipo asked him with what I suppose is genuine emotion, ¡°Just what happened here in the days we were gone?¡± He shook his head, and appeared lost in frightening thoughts, how weak was his mind!  ¡°Not a lot happened before today but today¡­today.¡± He gazed at one of the trees planted around the town. While it appeared Huse Napasa wasn¡¯t capable of worming her way around this peoples burial-trees everything else was coated in the dark liquid. ¡°I-It all erupted in battle-the forest itself! That demon''s voice-It it was begging. Begging. Too much happened. Too much. Too quick.¡± He looked down at the ground with absolute fear.


    He grabbed his own arm and began to squeeze it with what had turned into fury, as if attempting to blot out the earlier fear, ¡°It was so easy being brave, back when I was with the whole group, riding with a spear.¡± He looked up to the high heavens, ¡°But when I was alone-I only felt fear.¡± Relino ended up saying to him, in a calm sort of manner,  ¡°It is alright. Humanity wasn¡¯t made to act alone at any rate. And you are alive-that is what matters.¡± Attempting to raise spirits, and ignoring his own role in the event, Pipo said to him, ¡°Well, at least that old demon is going to bother us no longer.¡± Qasipeqi jumped to conclusions and said to the both of them, overcome by a kind of peace, ¡°At least my cousin''s killer is dead.¡±


    I laughed for a little while after that. The three of them fell silent, and Qasipeqi, in a kind of barely contained rage, asked, ¡°What is so funny, sir?¡± I commented without paying much attention to the emotions or the conversations, ¡°Well, it''s likely not dead entirely. Gods are sneaky things. It¡¯s no better than a couple of humans now, but it ain¡¯t dead.¡± I picked at a terrible wart on my face. He turned away soothing his anger before I mockingly laughed and said, ¡°You inane fool, and you claim to be of noble lineage! Some nobility you got there! Just like my useless sons, guess rot begets rot, eh?¡± After a moment I added, too proud of myself to think of anything, ¡°But I suppose all would seem lesser compared to my glory, eh?¡± I snorted like a pig. He said to me in tremendous rage, ¡°I don¡¯t think you have any place to comment on others about brainlessness or nobility. You couldn¡¯t even keep your sons fed before you came here-they were living skeletons, don¡¯t think we¡¯ve forgotten.¡± Pipo and Relino tried to get him to stop, but didn¡¯t dare come close. He ignored-didn¡¯t even notice- them, too full of himself.  ¡°You never did work to do so. You may as well be dead!¡± He sneered at me, ¡°I will not take mocking, or let others take it,  from some useless and lazy leech of all things.¡±  Just like his uncle, when he labeled me the lazy one in front of all. What I killed his son for.


    Silence hung over us for a few moments. Pipo and Relino fearfully skittered even further  back, yet didn¡¯t entirely leave the scene-that was certain. Both I and Qasipeqi struggled to make out the words that had been said, and process them. After a few moments, he bowed. Turned his eyes away from me, even the fool, and said, ¡°I apologize-as my elder I shouldn''t have been so disrespect-¡± I brought my hands around his neck and attempted to choke him, to wring it, who can say, my body moved of its own accord. No, it didn¡¯t. But I didn¡¯t analyze my thoughts greatly either. He desperately tried to rid himself of it, once he washed away the denial, and with a desperate kick straight to my soft belly, the breath left me entirely. Such prodigious strength,  I was caught by surprise, I could almost feel my organs and bones fighting each other for space. He succeeded, and I removed my arms from his being. I skittled back like some crab.  ¡°Watch your tongue, stupid boy,¡± I refused to acknowledge the fifteen year old as a man, though in age he may be, ¡°It¡¯ll be the death of you one day. That I guarantee.¡±


    I quietly contemplate in the corner. Thankfully, nobody appeared to realize or pay attention to what was happening to us, for I think it would have been rather bad to anger Qisigu. If I killed the young man I¡¯d be liable to get lynched, or hunted down, and after so many times it already happened. To have that occur due to something as simply as an angered murder would be ridiculous. Even a thousand barbarians'' lives wouldn¡¯t be worth mine-that I had decided years ago.


    Relino and Pipo rushed close to him immediately, and hushed out many words to him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Was the first thing both asked. Pipo helped him get back up as he had been laying in the dark earth, contemplating all the events which had transfolded. ¡°You really inspired a great rage within him.,¡± Relino fearfully said, and I was delighted in seeing how his face portrayed genuine terror-terror and respect-obedience- go hand in hand after all. Best to keep it alive. The gods can attest. Qasipeqi fearfully touched his own neck and in a quiet and muted sort of way asked, ¡°Did he just-did he try to kill me. Over an insult?¡± Neither of them gave him a straight answer. Pipo told him, ¡°We come from different lands-don¡¯t hold it against him. Please.¡± Relino fearfully whispered, but loud enough that my inhuman ears could still make it out, ¡°Our father can be dangerous when he wants to be. Don¡¯t anger him. I beg you. I beg you.¡± I suppose he didn¡¯t want to kill his friend-once we had a larger amount of success I¡¯d have him do so. I can¡¯t take such disrespect lying down. I¡¯d have reservations about killing Pipo-good puppet that he is, but killing that arrogant young man? I can do that, awful easily, no loss to my plans once the base has been built.


    Qasipeqi nodded in a slow sort of manner. As if to shift the tone, he asked, even though his heart wasn¡¯t in it, ¡°A-at any rate. How was your pilgrimage?¡± He finally noticed some signs of the few hits the sacrifice had managed to get in and asked, stealing only one glance at me, ¡°Did something happen?¡± Both of them casually said to him, cheerfully, ignoring his worry,  ¡°Oh, no, it was wonderful. Very wonderful. That Imperial city is wonderful-you should see it. We avoided the really chaotic towns gripped by plague and famine.¡±


    I am sure the memories of our prior journeys, men of any wealth beaten even after death for fears that they stored away hidden food, of those accused of consorting with demons and foreign gods cut apart even as the spirits true followers led the very mobs. ¡°It¡¯s best to remain away from those. At all costs, they aren¡¯t very pleasant or sane places.¡± Qasipeqi looked over to the town, to the people who had most left the now mangled altar. The great mockery of a pterosaur finally flew away, something unnatural and perfect, beautiful and horrible. In a voice by now calmer, as though he were talking about a dream rather than reality, he said, ¡°I really did think this town would become that, everyone was so wild, so rowdy. So scared.¡± He looked toward the church which rose above the other buildings, none too much but noticeably enough, ¡°We all depend on uncle Qisigu, without him, we didn¡¯t know what would come to pass. They thought he was dead. I thought he was dead.¡±


    Relino nodded mourfully, ¡°It comes like that. Sometimes it¡¯s all at once. Sometimes it''s like a boiling pot. You¡¯ve heard all the tales, you know how it is.¡± Pipo said in a hushed sort of way, ¡°It¡¯s heresy, but humans and animals aren¡¯t so different once it comes down to it. I hope you never see.¡± Qasipeqi looked at them mournfully, and avoided my gaze. He slowly nodded and after a moment commented to  them, ¡° I remember how thin you were when you came to this place. I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡± He looked at the earth, at the wriggling fat worms and other insects which lurk in those places, ¡°Thank Culiqaque that Huse Napasa was too cowardly to ever do that to us. Too deluded.¡± He looked up to the mighty sky, at the terrible Kabam, ¡° Uncle Qisigu wished that it would go and test all of us, but a large part of me is glad that it never came to be. ¡±


    Relino soon added, ¡°We are glad for that, too, Qasi. It¡¯s alright¡± Qasipeqi  nodded and responded, ¡°Thank you.¡± He looked up at the good emperor, that hateful Kabam that they called it. Relino commented, ¡°These people never became incapable of reason of some kind. That¡¯s something to be thankful for.¡± Qasipqeqi, not taking his eyes off the sun, commented in a quiet sort of way, ¡°I think I would rather die than lose reason. Lose humanity, become a beast..¡± That stuck a great whirlwind of fiery anger within me.


    ¡°No, no, that is not so,¡± I said to myself, though I imagine they overheard me, particularly with how that Qasipeqi moved back-good, so good, ¡°It is logical to survive. Survive through every pain, through good and bad. For what good is a dead human, it is not their lot.,¡± I reasoned with galloping thoughts, ¡°Dying, that is what a lot of the beasts are.¡± I didn¡¯t care to look at what any of the three of them thought about my words.


    ¡­


    They went to see this fat old man a little bit afterwards. Qasipeqis face grew all lit up as though by a bolt of mighty lighting. He had explained to them, ¡°I promised Sajiku-the sacrifice to the earth, we knew her a little, that I¡¯d see her grandfather and his needs.¡± He whispered. ¡°Last I saw him he wasn¡¯t doing very well.¡± With understanding, both Relino and Pipo had gone along with him.


    The old man was lying by a tree and talking to himself, with his hands scratching its bark every once in a while. They had begun to bleed a tiny bit, like a dark counterpart of morning dew. I followed the three like a formless shadow. Qasipeqi had been the one to speak, ¡°Hello, sir! Do you need help standing up?¡± He didn¡¯t respond, only whispering to himself. Qasipeqi said, ¡°Hello?¡± At which point the man had dismissively waved his hand and said between mumbles, ¡°Go away, will you, dream boy. This isn¡¯t real-none of it is. Just leave me alone until I wake up. My granddaughter is waiting for me to do so.¡± He clenched his teeth, ¡°The demon''s whispers have been shaping my dreams-I can¡¯t get them out of my head.¡±


    A sense of recollection filled Qasipeqi, and his face grew pained, and he seemed to struggle as to what he should say. Relino used his silver tongue, and with one tone of extreme kindness said to him, ¡°You wish to wake up, let us take you somewhere where you can do so faster.¡± The man responded, ¡°Faster?¡± Relino nodded and said to him, ¡°Faster, yes. To end this dream earlier, see the real people. Your family. You can trust me-trust us.¡± His tone was extremely compelling, most would have taken it for absolute truth. That was a strength of his-had been since he was given to me.


    He didn¡¯t appear to have intestines, but he didn¡¯t give much struggle as they guided him to his home. I saw Qasipeqi sneak fearful glances at me as we walked, wishing to remain as far away as he could. Once they took him to his own home, small and miserable like ours, I heard how he finally sneaked some water to the man, even if he wasn¡¯t capable of getting him to eat anything. ¡°I¡¯ll be back later.¡± That Qasipeqi eagerly promised.


    I followed them during the last moments the three walked together. ¡°It was necessary to get him to obey us, Qasi. You know that.¡± Qasipeqi had only nodded to Relinos words and attempted to smile at him. A tired sort of smile. ¡°I¡¯m just tired, my friend. I understand.¡±


    Perhaps he was. I certainly felt so.


    ¡­


    The Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    The three men sat together in the Design home, the sad sapling of his son growing quietly to ever-grande heights, hungering for high and glorious heaven. Growing even as the boy himself could not. A chill sort of air had come through that night, like a hundred clammy hands of the dead. Qisigu was the one to begin the conversation, a goblin sleeping in the corner of the room as though he had always laid there, ¡°What a day! I am curious, what thoughts flow within the two of you about that deity.¡± Juja was the one to begin, ¡°It terrifies me.¡± Sugihu commented with a veneer of calmness, ¡°When do you think we should test it? We can¡¯t leave a prophet going around without doing nothing, damned will we be if we do nothing.¡±


    Qisigu answered to him with cold calmness in his voice, ¡°Soon, in ten days at most. All of you need to study what we have left. Search into the deepest recesses of our memory.¡± The two of them nodded along with him. Sugihu commented, as though wishin to turn the conversation slightly less somber, ¡°That was quite an entrance eh?¡± Juja nodded and whispered, ¡°It made an impression on me. So much blood.¡±


    Qisigu took out a great long pipe and with fingers nimble like a seamstress lit it. A small cloud left his mouth as he exhaled, a sad little mockery, vanished as quick as it was created.  He passed it to Sugihu, who smoked it as well as his eyes lit up in recollection, ¡°Ah, I missed this. Where was it lost?¡± He shook his head, ¡° This little storage room, I kept a lot of my son''s things within there. I hadn¡¯t built up the courage to look there.¡±


    The three of them nodded. Sugihu then warily asked, ¡°What about the test of pain? We don¡¯t have the necessary colonies-¡± He couldn¡¯t continue after that, all remembered was how the sacred nests had been torn apart and destroyed by the fearsome soldiers of Rejonu. More than that, it made the memory of his uncle, laying all alone on that wooden cross, bubble up. He didn¡¯t need to remember that, it was a memory he would rather be forgotten and sunk in the recesses of his mind.


    Yet Qisigu camly smoked once it was passed back to him, ¡°That is simple, very quite simple.¡± The smoke kept billowing out like beautiful ghostly ribbons, ¡°Do we not have a cross on our hands?¡± Sugihu almost sputtered at that, ¡°Cousin, be reasonable!¡± Qisigu only nodded, entirely calm as though it was the sale of shoes they were discussing, ¡°Am I not being reasonable? Culiqaque himself was crucified in the ancient chronicles. Multiple, countless times. We have one at hand-It is a good test of pain.¡±


    Sugihu looked at Juja as if begging him for support, but the sheepish man went the way of his younger brother and simply said, ¡°Well-it has our uncle''s blood. Perhaps if we crucify him on it he¡¯ll come down with the test. I-I think anyways.¡± He shook his head, and looked at them as though he were surrounded by madmen. Eventually, he gave in to the current as the strength left him and he quietly nodded, ¡°I suppose we can¡¯t exactly drag off some monstrous creatures from Rilu Jiguhi or the other demon''s domains.¡± Their poisons and plagues, living receptacles of rot, were also utilized for tests of pain in the old legends. ¡°Fine.¡± Such simple words, such a grand effect they wielded.


    Qisigu nodded in a wise and pleasant sort of manner, ¡°I am glad you listened to reason. Tell me once you¡¯re ready for the test.. Keep your eyes on that deity, I hear it''s been supposedly healing people.¡±  Juja asked him, in a quivering sort of tone, like a piece of clear glass, ¡°Do you think it is doing what it says?¡± Plague, rot and poison was the livelihood of the spawn of Kabam. They were masters of flesh and life, much more than they could ever dominate the dull iron or the steady stone.


    A sense of expectancy was seen in Qisigus eyes, as he seemed burdened yet not surprised by the question. He simply shrugged as a response, ¡°How can we know? The demons need some humans to do their unpleasant work, but it seems a powerful one, especially if it''s working with Nolina. It¡¯s likely willing to kill a town as small as ours if that''s the case.¡± He chuckled and with a sort of strength, that which propelled the saints to achieving enlightenment and beholding the nature of the lord, proclaimed, ¡°But what does it matter! If we live, if we die, useless! What matters is how.¡± Qisigu rapidly turned to Sugihu, and asked with a sort of hope, ¡°Oh-I forgot to check, but have you seen the movements of the stars? Is the Lord telling us something?¡±


    Sugihu appeared as though a great weight had been placed upon him. He commented, ¡°I did, but it''s all so ominous. Something large is fated for Qiniregulu, the rise and fall of great powers. But it is impossible to tell who and how. I am sorry.¡± Qisigu responded quickly as an arrow, ¡°Don¡¯t be. The lord reveals all things for a reason-If he desire that we do not know, then we ought to heed his request.¡± They three of them looked at the ghostly branches of the old grave-trees, those ever-untouched by Huse Napasa. The galloping winds played with them cheerfully.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late,¡± Juja nervously commented, ¡°I-I think we should go.¡± Qisigu frowned but said to them, ¡°Very well, be on your merry way.¡± The three of them exchanged hugs and dismissed one another cordially enough. After that, before going to sleep Qisigu sat outside his home simply staring at the bright moon, at the few trees of his ancestors that remained-those Huse Napasa had climbed in the form of a jaguar to destroy his son, and the young sapling of his sons, kept aloft only with great sticks dug into the earth.


    ¡°Please, great Lord,¡± he whispered in a quiet prayer, ¡°Do what you see best. I am fine with any fate that befalls me.¡± But the sky remained quiet. Ever quiet, so, so quiet.


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    ¡­


    The Chronicles of Kujumanacali


    The great god rested on one of the grave-trees, calmly like any stray dog or tired worker. His aged exterior hid his terrible power and glory, son of Culiqaque that he was. The old woman Qereje had been angrily serenading and showering him with words for quite a while, ¡°Fool! You may kill us, poison us, but we will never submit to your demonic goals! Your healing is nothing but a farce-a wolf in the clothes of a sheep!¡± And so he left, having run out of strength and out of breath. He stayed there for quite some time, resembling a timeless fixture of the landscape.


    A group of women and men began to approach him, clad in clean robes, like those for key religious festivities or calls of counsel. They came to him like a great pack of beasts and a good amount of them knelt before him, their heads and knees reaching the ground. Their leader spoke up, an arrogant looking man who only nodded rather than bowing. He had fat hanging off his bones, a mark and emblem of prosperity.  ¡°Forgive all of our foolish companions!¡± The man he had healed the other day, the one with the bloody and powerful coughs, the young man added, ¡°They see your benevolence and yet they refuse to listen to reason!¡±


    Kujumancali chuckled and said to them all, ¡°Perhaps, Sohono Lolupupa, Sijihu Gapimu I can¡¯t find it within myself to be upset . My testing hasn¡¯t been completed.¡± The same fat elderly man, Gapimu, appearing impatient, proceeded to voice his own thoughts, ¡°Regardless, I could be of use helping with keeping those coy. I know much in this town-my family is one dating to its founding.¡± His smile turned large, ¡°I know all of their dirty secrets, I could provide them to you. Only for assurance of your aid for my whole house once I die.¡±


    Kujuamanacli looked at him, and chuckled. As someone entertaining a child, he only said to him, ¡°That''s an awful kind of you, but I think you ought to worry more about your own secrets than those of others. Don¡¯t think I do not know of the many children you have with other women.¡± He shook his head and said to him, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I simply can¡¯t give you redemption for such a grave sin. That you have to earn, rather than looking into others'' pasts.¡±


    Everyone in the group gasped and began to mutter to themselves. Kujumancali stood up and with a movement of his hand said, ¡°Quiet.¡± In that moment he portrayed such an authority, such fearsomeness none dared to act against him. The elder moved back, Qapimu saying to him, ¡°Don¡¯t go ¡®round spreading lies! Scattering their horrid seeds!¡± He faked laughter and looked at the others, ¡°Can any of you believe this arrogant fool!?¡±


    Kujumacanli didn¡¯t care much, ¡°What you say doesn¡¯t matter, their blood doesn¡¯t lie. My flies have drunk that, and I have gazed at their innermost genes.¡± The old man sputtered as the others looked at him with their fearsome gaze. ¡°You-you can¡¯t believe this can you!?¡± Sohono among them said to him, ¡°He healed us. He controls many bodies. He is a god-he killed that demon. Of course we do.¡±


    Kujua Mahali smiled pleasantly at them, ¡°At any rate, all of you desire to serve our lord, yes?¡± Most of them nodded, with varying enthusiasm. ¡°That Is great, great. Ah, all your holy texts were destroyed. But no matter, they are all here in my head.¡± And so he began to spin to them the grand images of the ancient glories and follies of humanity and of the grand god Culiqaque.


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepes journal


    I launched around wonderfully, the sense of victory even making me forget the harsh circumstance I found myself in. Pipo commented to me in a  darting sort of way, ¡°You seem happier, father. Do you have such hopes in our creation?¡± I snarled at him, in a way which placed him back in a  more submissive sort of way, ¡°My creation-for it is mine, and mine alone-Will succeed no matter what is put to it. Regardless, I read all their holy books once, back when I was young and foolish, and imparted all the knowledge into the deity.¡° I giggled with absolute glee, ¡°I suppose I know more about their own religion than they do!¡±


    Relino was the one to comment this time, like a brick upon the other, ¡°We heard it¡¯ll be tested soon from Qasipeqi. His father worries over it quite a bit, as does he.¡± Stupid man, that Qasipeqi. I dreamed of tearing him apart. Pipo nervously uttered, short yet a cutting of fiery starter,  ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll pass, that it won''t lose and be torn apart. Leave us with-make it all-nothing. Nothing at all?¡± I scratched myself without much care, but with anger wrapped around my words, ¡°Most definitely, quit those thoughts of yours! Is your opinion of my work that low?¡± I soon calmed myself, and commented, ¡°Say, is the food ready? I¡¯m starving.¡± I hated that sordid gruel, but if there is one thing it did well it was filling one up.


    ¡°Almost,¡± Relino said to me with silver-tongued kindness, ¡°At any rate, father, I hear you told us you expertly played around with the gods mind?¡± A tricky one, wishing to distract me from my rage by making me talk. He succeeded. I yawned and calmly said to him, ¡°That¡¯s correct. I delve into its memories of my own volition, and move them around. I¡¯ve been able to use its abilities, so as to see around where I want.¡± I chuckled and giggled with glee, ¡°It doesn¡¯t even notice! It''s so, so inane!¡± I scratched my hair- I suppose it''s infested with those little pests.


    Pipo was the one to ask this time, ¡°I heard the families of those he healed from plague have begun to worship him.¡± I snorted at him, ¡°Gullible fools. Any spirit of quality can do such a thing. It means nothing.¡± Reliono asked, with a sort of genuine curiosity, ¡°And what does your project think of them?¡± I smiled widely, the motions tearing through my features as a monster of the depths breaks winter-ice in the far south. ¡°He is rather pleased, mostly,  but wishes that the whole ceremony be carried out,¡± I commented, ¡°It seems to be functioning just fine for now.¡±


    ¡°It''s done!¡± Exclaimed Relino, ¡°The meal is done.¡± I ate, and I was joyful, in spite of all things. I had a god twirled under my control now after all, and a mighty one at that. I could never thank Qejonu enough for doing the one thing of use it ever did-Die.


    ..


    The Chronicles of Kujumancali


    It was on the eighth morning after its arrival that Qisigu, Sugihu, and Juja prepared to test the great god. With some elders and their grandchildren coming forth. Qasipeqi accompanied his father, though he was rather ungifted in such endevours. In spite of their words, only a few followers came in the chilly morning that he was convoked forth, to wait for him outside the temple. ¡°It¡¯ll all be fine,¡± he said to them with confidence, ¡°I will prove to all of you my might. It won¡¯t take an awfully long amount of time by our gods standards.¡± And so they sat, and did the one thing they could, pray.


    ¡°Come in, ¡± so said Qisigu. And with a mechanical sort of perfection, he stood up, dusted the grime off of himself, and shook hands with Qisigu. ¡°Ah, good to see you. Is the testing beginning?¡± With three nods coming simultaneously from the group of them as he trails them like a shadow or a scent.


    They enter into the sturdy church, the roaring sacred fire burning in the corner fireplace, eternal tower of smoke. The blessed weapons decorated the walls, and a crude clay image of the great god Culiqaque defeating Kabam in the beginning of time to create the world, just before he rose up to become the sun. The grander images and artists had perished in the purges of Qejonu, their ends a spectacle far less grand than the last priest''s crucifixion.


    Qisigu calmly said to him, in a cordial sort of way, ¡°I trust you know you ought to recite vast knowledge of astrology, theology, and alchemy. Begin with say, the first fifth of the first great book of revelation.¡± And so he did, without much difficulty. It took a fair ramount of time, and there was something surreal about it. The battered old man relaying to the being far younger than him that stood as though he was a master. The weaving tale of the creation of the world, its first iteration. It was a story they all know, but the poetic and descriptive way the flaying and dismemberment of Kabam, the stirring of the seas, and the creation of the first animals and plants was described gave it all a sort of life.


    Sugihu nodded at this, a sense of awe evident in the way the whole text moved him. Later he would admit it reminded him much of his departed uncle, that one which met such a dastardly fate. He did manage to, with great strength, continue, ¡°Well, now, explain to us the major forms of alchemy, from that life that propels flesh to the relationships between the dead metals and stones.¡± And once more he did. It was only basic-the very utmost basics of the art, but it was described in a matter equal parts concise and powerful.


    It all hinged on the idea that there existed miniature, perfect little creatures. These were like strings in a tapestry, ones which existed even when Kabam reigned the sea. All were fitted together in the perfect matter of life. Yet deeper still, there existed categories of compounds that reacted in different ways, bodies and spiritual souls if that term ought to be used, that united gave mass to all things. This could be used for all purposes, from the bodies of wood, in charcoal, mixed with dull iron, the earthly body of the ore. To how miniature machines and beings of rot and plague wormed their way into and devoured the living, these were the living tapestries of plague woven by the evil demons. To how they could be manipulated for the creation of chimeras by both the Qese Rilu and the spawn of Kabam. He interlaced the secret knowledge with that which was common sense, in such an expert manner it left no doubt as to the intimacy with the material.


    All present worked together as Qisigu arrogantly proclaimed to him, ¡°How quaint! You¡¯ve proclaimed good knowledge asto the theory and facts of things-but now it''s time to put them in rpactice, eh? It¡¯s one thing to know something and another to understand it.¡± Kujumanali replied to him, as though his very fate were not on the line,  ¡°Pleasantly! I suppose we are performing astrological calculations now?¡± Sugihu nodded at him.


    And so, all present, well educated in mathematics began to calculate with paper and ink, with their minds, to stitch together predictions for the future based on the knowledge given to them by heaven. It wasn¡¯t so much a matter of speed in calculation, for any spirit would excel in that, but in the knowledge of which equations to use and which stars held different meanings. Yet even when all of them worked together, with their utmost strengths, they couldn¡¯t equal the proficnecy that he had.


    Qisigu appeared impressed with him, ¡°Good, good, very good. But let us see how you handle yourself in the combat of reasoning and discourse.¡± By now many, many hours had passed, and the sun had long since left its highest point of its journey. Yet none in the room dared express exhaustion. Only the most important of such questions are relayed here. He asked the great god with an impassive expression on his face, ¡°Explain the reasoning behind the castration of priests.¡± Kujumancali chuckled and in an arrogant manner said, ¡°Such a simple question? That is easy; the carnal pleasures are a necessary evil which ties the eternal spirit to the physical plane. If they are to have communion with God, they must not possess such organs. That was put to place in the early days of the Mexihuacans heresies.¡±


    Juja continued the question, with something of a desire for victory in a manner overcoming his fear, ¡°Then why, pray tell, did the great Lord create them in the first place? Why could early holy men procreacate?¡± Kujumancali responded to him, the very epitome of calmness and collection ¡°The rules of matter dictated it be so; it is evil yet necessary, and can even be helpful when carefully and tightly constrained. Culiqaque didn¡¯t always possess the power he does, not since kabam.¡±  Kujuamancali remained impassive and kingly as always, and there was no sign that there was even a fiber of fearful nature constrained within him.


    Sugihu then asked him, with a small amount of genuine curiosity interlacing his less than ideal understanding. He thought that his mistakes could easily be made by the foreign, and malevolent demons,  ¡°Now, explain why Culiqaque depends on suffering for his strength when he is all good, and perfection given form. And if that is all, then why does he requiere physical flesh and blood of humankind as worship.¡± Kujumancali chuckled at that, and explained, ¡°That is because of the nature of suffering itself. It is a cleansing sort of pain. It prepares spirits and flesh for arrival to him by purifying them, as the blubber of a whale, a gigantic cephalopod or some other marine creature is purified when it is burned. Now-¡±


    Sugihu appeared unsure of the answer, but Qisigu appeared to accept it and the deemeanor, choosing to interrupt him. Many thoughts flowed through his mind. Someone pretending to be the Qese Rilu would respond with fury,  while one of those who understdood their nature well would easily respond to the following question as is necessary for all questions in a test of this kind. Especially when added to the rudeness of the interruption, a riling for arrogant demons ¡°And now, tell me, Culiqaque is proclaimed as having made the world. Explain why he is so much weakened and resembles the spawn of Kabam. It goes against all logic.¡±


    The old body Kujumancali was possessing calmly leaned back and grinned at all of them in a fatherly sort of way. Galloping thoughts passed through all of their heads . ¡°It may be hard for humans to grasp, but that is because Culiqaque isn¡¯t just a god in spirit, but a god in flesh. As described by his tremendous feats of control in the first chapters. He is both all the same, yet affected in different ways by the way Kabam has limited herself in an effort to make him nothing.¡±


    Qisigu was pleased by the answer, but he knew by the faces of many in the crowd this wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d been taught to understand. Even in those glorious times. He considered that if it wasn¡¯t a true god, its judgement would be affected by the reactions of supposed wise men. And so he began to weave a bluff, one Juja, Sugihu, and even Qasipeqi understood. He grasped his sword, and in a tone of utmost false victory proclaimed, ¡°I am afraid you are mistaken, all flesh touched by his spawn is divine, you are looking foolishly to drag yourself out of your own hole. It really is a pity, truly, but it may be time to tear you to pieces. Culiqaque can¡¯t change his very being, he wouldn¡¯t lose a body!¡± Kujumancali took this in stride and simply laughed, not a shred of fear evident in his face.


    ¡°Your acting isn¡¯t good enought to fool me, but I will explain the truth for all of those¡±-he gestured to the crowd of elders-  ¡°Who appear not to understand. I deem this a critical time, and them in need of fully, entirely, understanding the nature of the world. It is a mere error in translation,¡± he shook his head like a tree shocked by his head, ¡°This language is so limited, the common tongue of the Empire. It was made by demons I suppose-what else can be expected?¡± Most of the time, diferent people were requiered to have varying levels of knowledge, but it was very common for such rules to shift depending on the many factors of the region. The three couldn¡¯t help but think that if it was a false deity, it was either prodigiously good, or they were obsecenly horrible as this whole ordeal.


    He smiled cheerily at a lot of them, a kindly desire to teach evident, ¡°Why do you think Culiqaque requires not just the spirit but the bone, flesh and blood,-why do you think he instituted burial and cannibalism and put an end to cremation? He has a body-he never lost it. ¡± Qisigu continued for him, a kind of genuine victor bubbling up within him, hope, ¡°Like one who sees himself as he dreams. A spirit that moves while remaining attached to a weaknened body.¡± Kujumancali nodded, and responded to him, ¡°That is precisely so. Humankind was made in his image after all.¡± The questions continued, but deep within his heart Qisigu had been convinced by the demeanor, equal parts calm and full of authority, benevolent with hints of arrogance, that Kuumancali was no fake, not if he himself had any shred of authority.


    That he determined himself that he would believe, now till the end of his life.


    ¡­


    Sugihu and Juja looked to one another as those two continued talking as though they were lifelong friends. Or perhaps a teacher with a bright and eager student. The test lacked the force and cunning it had at its first hour, that it seemed to them from Qisigus part, even as he overwhelmed them out of the examination. Left where they, like mere logs. Galloping and diverse thoughts lurked within both of their minds, leaving them entirely unsure as to the future acts they ought to do. ¡°They seem to have warmed up to one another,¡± Sugihu whispered to Juja with a sort of disbelief in his tone, ¡°Awful soon I might add. Do you think he passed? His thoughts matter most, after all.¡±


    Juja said to him, ¡°It¡¯s been awfully long with both portions. He treaded skillfully.¡± Qasipeqi commented, ¡°Far better than us.¡± Nods came from the elders within the temple. Some humans could have surpassed Kujumancalis current host, those with the manipulated minds for mathematics, but none within that town could have. Sharp in mind, Sugihu commented to his cousin, ¡°But how about you? Do you think he is what he says?.¡± Juja sighed looking at the earth, ¡°Many things are possible-the details of theology have long since been washed from our heads. I just-I-I can¡¯t shake off the feeling that these things are too fantastical to be true.¡± Sugihu appeared to have caught on to the internal mechanisms of his cousin''s mind and he added, ¡°I understand, that sort of surreal feeling. Dreamlike¡± Qasipeqi commented with his own opinion, ¡°The last months have seemed like a dream, I would say. Not just last week.¡± And who could argue against him?


    The art of Lucid dreaming was of decent importance, though nowhere near as spontaneous visions and the movements of the astrological stars. Juja nodded at that, and appeared tired beyond his years, like a piece of string moved to prodigious lengths, ¡°Indeed, that is how I feel.¡± He used his own hand to ruffle his hair, ¡°So, so much has happened in so little. I feel like a very young man again, just out of boyhood. Qejonus soldiers trampling through our last, hidden holy artifacts, our uncle hanging on that horrible cross. I am a lowly man, but before that I wasn¡¯t even that.¡± Qasipeqi had only the very vaguest of memories of his granduncle, but he remembered them fondly. He shuddered to recall such events, yet the events of the last months with Qejonus destructions, Huse napasas attacks, and now the coming of his apparent Messiah, this member of the Qese Rilu. It was too much.


    Such musings were dutifully cut short by the fearsome voice of Qisigu, sudden as the thunderbolt,  ¡°The final phase of our tests will come through! You¡¯ve proven your powers over healing, your exorcism of Huse Napasa, your control over the beasts of the field and their very flesh-¡± the god particularly seemed to delight in molding arthropods and insects in all forms-¡±There is no need to test that.¡±


    ¡°Unto the test of pain?¡± The god dutifully stood up with that same sort of dignity and calmness he always employed. Qisigu responded to him, with a rabid sort of eagerness within him ¡°Indeed! Are you ready?¡± Kujumancali began to walk towards the temple''s exit, the light of day having dulled down entirely since the testing began. The only light now was the sacred fire in the temple itself. ¡°To one of the Qese Rilu, pain is something abundant.¡± As he walked out, Qisigu took the answer dutifully and told his brethren, ¡°If You can, please ready the sacred fire. Let our father, his flame, and the great saints tree all bear witness to this. Bring out the bloodied cross.¡±


    ¡­


    Sanu Nepe¡¯s Journal


    A grand crowd has gathered within the center of the town. A reasonably numerous one had gathered to listen vaguely to the coming of the god into the temple to be tested as the day went on. But as time had worn on each of them they had gone to attend to their own duties, and entirely forgot the entire matter, too preoccupied by the aspects of daily life. The tending of sheep and whoolly creatures, their protections from wolves and the feathered bipeds alike. The rearing of children. The upkeep of the more mundane groves that supplied wood, fruit or grain. Only the most diligent had remained for most of the day. After night fell, the situation once more reversed itself.


    Indeed, now that the news spread even without outright attempts by either Kujumanacali or Sugihu, the vast crowd gathered. I for my part didn¡¯t particularly care for the result- I knew our god would stand victorious. ¡°Then why,¡± Pipo had asked me, emboldened since he thought me in a good sort of mood, ¡°Do you wish to come over to the ceremony.¡±


    I smiled viciously and responded, without rage in my voice, in a quiet and skittered tone,  ¡°That is simple, I wish to delight in seeing the lot crushed, seeing them acknowledge the superiority of my project.¡± I calmed myself after that, just the slightest amount. In a more reasonable manner I explained to him, ¡°I may not be able to get my own feet licked and kissed, the ground upon which I walk sweeped, just yet. But I can behold as that son of mine has it all done to me.¡±


    He and Relino only nodded in response. The fearsome crowds had gathered slowly, many leaving offerings to the great tree and the roaring flame, standing on opposite sides of the wide and ample square. I let Relino offer one of the skulls he won in those games, ¡°We don¡¯t have much use for them at any rate,¡± I had explained, ¡°If you want to offer them to that wretched deity-so long as you understand it''s foolishness-it¡¯ll help us fit in.¡± It¡¯s not like I cared for a great deal of my native deities, only a few did I hold dear.


    And that was that. I was in too good of a mood at the moment, I didn¡¯t particularly need to use them to feel better as I so often did in my miserable state. They seemed pleased too, perhaps due to a misguided sense of pride in their own labor or due to their acknowledgement of my gloriousness.


    No matter, we were all there when the great god Kujumancali came out, stripped in a ceremonial loincloth, very basic in all senses of the word and made his speech. There was something curious about that wrinkled old body, physically disgraced yet acting like a lofty noble warrior.  ¡°Never forget that suffering and labor is the fire which cleanses the souls of the living! Follow my example as your leader-you too offer your whole beings to the great god! Only the spawn of Kabam shy away from suffering-greatest flame!¡° A clammer of his followers resounded from the crowd. There was something of a grand quality to his words, as is to be expected of a creation of mine.


    Qisigu made his own announcement as volunteers including Qasipeqi, those of importance of pure and noble bloodlines who had listened to the entire examination, passed out a fearsomely wicked blade around. ¡°If this spirit right here lets out our cries of emotion during his agonizing experience, do not hesitate to strike him down! For those who would imitate the glories of the excellent Lord deserve not even that their lifeless corpses be respected! Let them be cut and torn until they crumple like broken cheese!¡±


    Relino and Pipo appeared troubled in the most subtle of manner by this, for which reason I kicked both of them. The blunt pain wormed its way through them, as I whispered, before a second kick, ¡°Don¡¯t you two dare fall down, spineless worms¡±. My emocions are fickle precisely due to their mightyness. This was enought to quiet them down. Others made such gestures of unpleasantness, but for them I suppose it was due to general squeamishness to this sort of thing. Cowards! A trait more fit for beasts than for human beings.


    The process itself didn¡¯t take much too long, nor was it to pleasant to watch as someone who had beheld others gruesome destructions of both the living and the lifeless corpses, from the lynchings of my homeland, to beating the very dismembered rotting limbs of those of former wealth in the hopes their toothless skulls would let out a secret of their food. The way he was prepared, he was tied up in the wooden planks and countless nails hammered into him, was unpleasant. I cursed at myself for such weakling thoughts, but there they remained, uncaring.


    The blood oozed out from the limbs, and there he remained, in a silent state caught gasping for breath. Yet he handled the pain without difficulty, and had one seen his head alone they would have thought him merely someone exercising. Slowly, but surely, the crowd began to calm. They didn¡¯t dare sleep, but it was turned into a sort of party. Drinks were passed out as vendors came selling Pulque and cheap corn beer. The renewed trade meant one even brought a kind of refined, purer alcohol to be mixed with cheap corn beer, which arrived prepared through wonderful alchemical methods. Some men hummed a lively and wonderful sort of tune that filled the air with winged notes.


    Qasipeqi actually approached us soon enough, appearing both troubled but hopeful. The three hugged each other, as was their usual greeting. The young man was pleasant enought to bow to me,¡±Greetings, Sanu nepe,¡± as though the gleam of fear wasn¡¯t evident in his eyes. He backed away from me like a foul fearsome chimeric being. All good-for it is time he learned to respect and honor me properly. They exchanged quick greetings. I care not enough to record here, all those , ¡°How lively you look!¡± and useless, ¡°How wonderful it is to see you!¡± I was more interested in devouring some small fried fish I bought, fried with lemon, salt, and chili pepper. As that occurred someone muttered next to me, ¡°All these folks, eating at a time like this. What shame they should have.¡±


    I care nothing for the barbarians'' opinions on this, especially considering the crucifixion wasn¡¯t even a real one. Nobody would die on this day, for the world spirit to sink its body to be part of the earth once more. The emperor. It was awfully boring to say the truth, compared to the spectacles prior to the execution-wonderful, lively games and speeches- performed in our homeland, but I suppose the pain and length were intentional. All those thoughts passed through me as Pipo and Relino began speaking with Qasipeqi, in a hushed sort of tone. Shifting away from useless topics, Relino asked him with genuine curiosity, ¡°You listened to a lot of them talk, how was it?¡±


    Qasipeqi took some time to think, but soon responded, as though not wishing to defame it, ¡°Unique.¡± He elaborated after a moment, letting out a groan ¡°Oh, who am I tryin to fool, it was far too long! For one interesting thing, there were twenty useless ones, I¡¯d be lucky if I retained a tenth of what was said.¡° Relino and Pipo in a tone between jest and seriousness responded to him, ¡°You have our condolences, Qasi¡± Qasipqi sighed, every once in a while looking at me with waryness, ¡°I suppose. Can you lot guess the curious thing, though? I barely even remember him, but I feel like this god bears resemblance to my uncle.¡± The lot of them analyzed that for some. Relino continued thinking but Pipo responded to him, ¡°I suppose it makes sense, they were both members of the clergy, Qasi.¡± Qasipeqi nodded along with them and added, ¡°Perhaps.¡± Like a man struggling to rinse the valuable gold from muddy water, he appeared to build up an explanation, ¡°He reminds me of him through more than that-he has this air of wisdom to him, can you understand? Something great and mighty beneath a clear surface.¡±


    By his face I could see that Relino struggled to imagine the crucified vessel as anything other than a man, many had we seen crucified like that in this land. I don¡¯t think Qasipeqi was clever enough to notice. ¡°Anyways,¡± Qasipeqi continued in a joyful sort of way, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he genuinely knows all the holy books! He spent some hours straight relating part one to us-I didn¡¯t manage to record more than tiny fragments!¡± After a quick moment he added, ¡°We also all spent a long time calculating astrological tables-none of us stood a chance against him.¡± He appeared awed, but I could only chuckle to myself. The math itself wasn¡¯t complicated at all, the host''s brain only required some tweaking. The deeper meanings were far harder to institutude.


    I was absolutely pleased by such words, distant compliments to me. Pipo sent some glances my way, appearing possessed by a nearly invisible spirit of guilt. Relino had it too, and expertly hid it underneath a facade of kindness surprise, ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad about that Qasipeqi.¡± The barbarian nodded at that, somewhat comforted by such words. Pipo then commented, ¡°Spending the entire day cooped up inside-that sounds rather unpleasant, you¡¯re great for going through with it.¡± Pipo had meant to jest, but Qasipeqi appeared to whisper with a sort of guilt woven with him, ¡°This is sinful, but while a part of me loved it the rest of me desperately wanted to get out of there.¡± Turning less serious he whined, ¡°He spoke well but it was just so, so wretchedly long!¡±


    Relino chuckled and told highly convincing lies, ¡°We understand.¡± I don¡¯t suppose he did, they had always been experts at the written word, but anything is capable for that silver-tongued fool. The conversation didn¡¯t continue much longer as Qisigu blew the loud horn, the same oxen one which once more attracted the attention. ¡°As is standard during this sort of test, the story of our Patron saint will be relayed here, the great Sini Naqihu!¡± There came people with instruments, only the most expert, to create a somber serenade. I cut down a mighty great part of it, but below are the basics that I reconstructed thereafter with my tremendous stenographial prowess.


    ¡­


    Long ago the town''s founding was led into the region by the mighty deity Huse Napasa, mightier than it was till recently albeit not exponentially so. It was a fertile enough stretch of land, and in a well-watered region. For a little over a century, the dreadful goddess ruled over them, making them labor for her, offer their bodies for her, build her temples, feed to her their animals, their plants, and most precious of all, their children.


    Huse Napasa had dethroned that barbarian deity, Gigo Rrere, killed and devoured her own father. Such was the reason they had run to this stretch of land, led by Qaspeqi ancestors. Them of the warrior tribe, once the Rrerorians when they had a lord, when they were the only one he let bear his name. They swore allegiance to many of Gigo Rreres sons, changing hands and being the site of a few minor battles of warriors whose squalid and wretched graves had been long forgotten.


    Then came the great saint, some sixty and one years ago, that Sini Naqihu. He had gone when he was younger in the southern lands where the Culiqaquists still suffer but are more abundant. He seeked out the great lord, saying he, ¡°Wished to discover the secrets of the workings of the universe.¡± And that he did, joining a monastic order considering his impure bloodline banning him from priesthood, mastering alchemy, mathematics, anatomy and particularly astrology. All of it he learned, finally specializing in medicine. From the workings of flesh to the spirits of metals. In a minor war he helped as a doctor, finding survival where many did not. At the height of his carrer at that point, he, entirely by himself predicted an eclipse with sublime perfection.


    Culiqaque called for him from the few lordships the Ojotillas had banished him too. There he asked the great saint, ¡°Come, and tell me what you desire, young man.¡± He only responded, ¡°I only wish that others know as much about your beautiful world as I do know. Understand it.¡± The god had smiled at him, and told him, ¡°You have what it takes. I will ordain you and castrate you for service to me, Sini Naqihu, a glorious day you were named after. More glorious still shall you make it.¡±


    The young man had been surprised and eagerly asked him, ¡°In spite of my bloodline''s impurity?¡± Before he could apologize Culiqaque chuckled at him and said, ¡°Indeed. Your lineage is absolved of its sins through me and through you. I forgive your whole lot, even your cousins thrice removed. Now go-serve for the rest of your life, through death, and after it. Only then will you truly, entirely, find my glory. Bring me a thousand souls.¡±


    And that he had done, bringing forth over a thousand souls to the great god Culiqaque¡¯s grasp, taking with him a minor member of the Qse Rilu. He had not the power to tear apart even a tenth of Huse Napasa, but he won the hearts of the people, made them drive her out with sticks and stones, in all the hamlets and towns that once served her. All that fifty-four years ago. She swore to him, ¡°I will have them back-they will cut down your grave tree and feed it to the termites.¡± We can all see how wrong she was.


    He returned to this town before preparing to enter Rilu Jiguhi. He died bravely by the hand of one of Qejonus dreadful followers, eternal enemy of Culiqaque and son of the horrid Gigo Rrere. All this fifty years ago. He came with one of that god''s beastly creations, dealt his life so that it would surrender itself to death. Grand Martyr! His body lay beneath the earth, his tree here, and his spirit in high heaven.


    ¡­


    ¡°That was an insightful story,¡± I commented to Pipo, Relino and Qasipeqi, ¡°There¡¯s a small flickering of doubt within him. Is this the first time he gives this speech?¡± Qasipeqi flinched upon hearing my voice and with nervousness responded, ¡°You¡¯d be correct. We¡¯ve never truly had to test someone claiming to be a god.¡± He added soon enough to defend his uncle''s honor, the wretched young man that Qasipeqi was,  ¡°But that doesn¡¯t matter! He is well prepared for this! His judgement isn¡¯t erroneous!¡±


    I only shrugged and uncaringly  said to him, ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot of public speakers far less talented than he, that much is sure at least. Can¡¯t say anything more to mark him appart..¡± A shred of fury appeared to bubble up within Qasipeqi, quickly suppressed by the memory of my attempt to put him to death.  He was distracted by Relino who asked him to shift him away from my conversation, fearful that he was too, ¡°Say, you told me there was one part of the text you found rather funny, but I can¡¯t remember which part.¡± Qasipeqi turned to him with glee, joyful for distraction, and began, ¡°Ah, yes, you see-¡±¡®


    Their conversations were shifted to such senseless and useless matters and I lost track of it. People indeed lost the renewed interest in the crucifixion quickly enough. My god heaved in pain and handled it as though it was routine, but such a thing fell on blind eyes. Everybody calmed down. The moon continued its path across the sky, and every once in a while a musical group came up to play a beautiful tune.  Some fell asleep while others struggled yet remained waking. That god suffered for an uncaring audience, yet didn¡¯t cry out or argue.


    When dawn cracked and the roosters sang, when Qisigus great horn rang, everyone''s attention was once more called. The center crawled so heavy with people it seemed as though it would burst into pieces. They all stared at Qsigu and my god as if they were the radiant sun himself to use the expression of my homeland. Qisigu proclaimed with utmost joy and seriousness, ¡°I, Qisigu of the most ancient lineage, we who renounced Gigo Rrere, Huse Napasa, and welcomed Culiqaque, proclaim that this here spirit is none other than one of the Qese rilu!¡± Juja and Sugihu said, ¡°We corroborate that such a thing is true.¡± Those who had sat during the test similarly proclaimed, Qasipeqi among them, ¡°We affirm that such a thing is true.¡±


    As all that went on Relino whispered to me, voice breaking in someting between joy and shock,  ¡°I didn¡¯t really think all this would truly work. Not truly.¡± He said it in a shaky sort of tone. He is cunning, he only dared say such words because he taught me in a pleasant sort of mood. He was correct. I took it in stride and smugly proclaimed,¡±Of course, my creation is glorious. Only the highest gods would recognize it as anything other than what it proclaims itself to be. And they will never face it-we have nothing to worry about!¡±


    I lay there, and basked in my own gloriousness the hoots of victory resounding with joy. They were unanimous, drowning now. The great god had nails lifted from his flesh, many wounds remaining on his body. Those with some knowledge of medicine, following my god''s own intricate knowledge of human anatomy, helped dress the wounds. It was all done in a prodigious amount of time, my god always resembling neither man nor beast but rather a shimmering statue.


    With great and glorious strength he struggled to stand up. One woman asked him with great care in her voice, of those who had nursed his wounds, ¡°My god, do you require a staff to stand on?¡± He shook his head in a pleasant sort of manner and finally filted himself up, the ilusion of the statue-like being regained,  ¡°There is no need for that.¡± Once that happened, a few of those most loyal to him knelt with their knees facing the cobblestones. Slowly but surely, most did the same. I muttered under my breath, ¡°Some luck I have!¡± I did the same at any rate, though it may be horrible and humiliating. Though I may swear one day I will make all these folks pay for such a disgrace.


    I could make out what went on well enough by sound. The fluttering of his robes as he bowed down to them and cheerily proclaimed to all of them, ¡°Glorious people! You have not lost your glory! We will advance and liberate as many from the Infidels'' jaws!¡± With their knees facing the ground, Qisigu, Sugihu¡¯s and Jujas knees could be heard on the hard stone as they went over to him. That pitter patter as they moved towards him while knelt. How those in the crowd moved without going anywhere just to increase their own pain.


    I couldn¡¯t see it, wretched be they all! But I could hear as they kissed and licked his feet, the way people do with a great and mighty Lord. I suppose it was a victory for me, though it would be better if they honored the maker rather than the object. The great god then loudly proclaimed to all of them, ¡°Bring an oxen and a mighty bull! Let them be sacrifices to the Lord! I will pick among the best of them.¡± People organized themselves like great amounts of headless chickens.


    My god finally accepted Qisigu''s arm in order to walk over, as people gathered to brusquely sweep the ground on which he walked. There was something glorious about seeing such mighty men acting as mere servants to a thing greater than themselves. Some found it noble. I don¡¯t think I found it so, but I did find it pleasing. To humiliate others, to make them lowly and make myself high, that is what being grand really is. All that I entirely deserve.


    ¡°Soon,¡± I whispered in the most secretive of ways to ever-vigilant Relino, ¡°I will be the one they treat like that.¡±