Scourge Twenty-One - Undead

Scourge Twenty-One - Undead

Scourge Twenty-One - Undead

We decided to follow Felixs plan. It might be a bit... cocky, but its not a terrible plan. We walk out of the barracks building, the three of us girls forming a rough triangle around Teo who has a big, obviously heavy, bundle over his shoulder.

Were not just leaving entirely without planning things though. We left that assassin in Inigos bed with the blankets pulled way up. Im hoping that the assassins buddies dont notice him being missing for a while, but thats a lot to ask for.

The outpost is a busy place. There are plenty of villagers out and about already. I didnt notice the night before, but there are a number of sheep pens here. I guess it makes sense that people would farm those in a place this small and secure. A group of guards are doing morning stretches on a lawn to the side, and others are jogging around a small field, working up a sweat.

Ran and a couple of the other Big Hill Lions are preparing the carts already. Theyre noticeably lighter, with fewer crates and things loaded on. Hopefully, thatll make us faster as we head out. Go wait by the back over there, Teo says with a nod to the rearmost cart. Out of sight and out of mind. Im going to drop this guy off, then talk to Esteban.

Understood, I say.

Im pretty confident in my own strength, and that of my friends, but Im not sure if we could ever manage fighting our way out of this entire outpost. Not without a lot of monster friends to help us along the way.

Val, Felix says as she walks up next to me. Look, at the far end over there, near the inn.

I glance over, trying to be surreptitious about it. Theres a group of priests of Altum by the inn, three of them, just standing next to a barrel of water and chatting. They seem casual and at ease, but I notice that theyre also glancing around fairly frequently, and theyre not moving.

Who just stands around and chats outside while doing nothing? That looks so unproductive. And suspicious. I see them, I mutter. What should we do about them?

Nothing, I dont think, Bianca says. We have a lot of suspicions, and maybe a few accusations we can level, but I dont think losing time here trying to convince the guards and local magistrate that the cult of Altum has gone mad would be entirely productive. And it would mean that were no longer moving.

Right, we have bigger issues, I say.

I cant help but feel like our current quest and Altums priests are tied together, somehow.

Esteban and Teo talk by the front of the caravan, then Esteban touches Teos shoulder before moving back into the guard barracks. I notice him having a whispered discussion with one of the older, more decorated guards. They both glance across the street to the priests.

Maybe things will take care of themselves here.

Ran calls out to us, and we join him by his carriage. Plenty more room for you girls to sit today. Come on, hop aboard, and be quick about it.

Thanks, I say as I do just that.

It doesnt take long before we start moving.

I sit up straighter and spin around.

Out ahead of us, blocking the road, are three figures. Two of them are in the robes of priests of Altum, though they also have breastplates on over their flowing gowns. The third guy, whos standing between the other two, is more worrisome. Hes wearing nothing but sackcloth and bandages, with a hood that covers his entire head. None of his flesh is visible. Hes a huge guy, at least a head and a half taller than Mom, and way wider at the shoulders.

Esteban walks up to the very front of the caravan. He has a hand on his hilt, but hasnt drawn. I can feel the tension from the others around us.

Guys, I mutter. Might be a good time to start cycling your emotions and cultivating a bit.

Theres something on the sides of the road, Felix says.

I glance around. There are trees along the edges of the road, just past a little ditch. Past those theres an open field all the way to a forest all around us. Those fields have been left to grow, so the grasses there are about hip-high.

What do you want, priest of Altum? Esteban asks. We have little that someone of your wort would want.

Are you so certain of that? One of the priests asks.

Esteban raises a gauntleted hand and makes a gesture or two. Nothing changes in that moment, but I can feel the tension rising. Just food for the next outpost, my good man. Thats all we have.

You also have bodies, the priest said. And thats more precious than any grain.

Esteban seems properly cautious. And what good would those do for you?

The priests both pull out long, narrow daggers from sheathes by their sides. They look more like skinning knives than knives for fighting. Our lord Altum always needs more bodies. Either in worship of his greatness, or to fulfil his grand purpose. Surrender, and we will give you peaceberry wine. No pain, just an easy plunge into the service of our lord.

Whatberry wine? Felix asks.

Its a poison, Esme says. One thats supposed to taste good, and kills you by making you fall asleep forever.

I think well have to pass on the offer, Esteban says.

So be it, the priest replies.

He grins, and the grass around us rustles for just a moment before dozens of figures rise from it. Figures with pale skin and scarred faces, with lifeless eyes and unmoving chests.

Ah, crud, zombies, I say.

***