Cult of the Lamb : Rise of the Black Crown

Chapter 7: The Black Crown

Nykka had become much more content with waiting for Spring. The two had found many opportunities to pass the time during the lengthy snow-in. In no time at all, the snow had melted away revealing the emerald grass that had been waiting dormant underneath. As she had promised, they prepared to leave as the flowers surrounding the cottage experienced their first bloom of the year. Nykka told Narinder that they would be gone for at least two weeks, that is assuming she is right in believing his crown would appear in the same location hers had been stowed away. They packed a large hiking bag with everything they'd need to make it to wherever it was they were going. Nykka refused to disclose the information ahead of time, claiming it to be a surprise. When they were packed and ready to go, Narinder grabbed his scythe and left the small cottage with Nykka at his side.

"Do you have a weapon?" He asked curiously, noting that he had never seen one around the tiny cottage.

"Goodness, no." Nykka shook her head, "I do not use weapons." Narinder shot her an incredulous look.

"You have survived six thousand years without ever using a weapon?"

"Yes. My crown provides its own form of defenses. Beyond that, I have been careful not to be discovered."

"That cannot be all there is to it..."

"It is, truly. I do not harm others, Nari."

"But you hunt? You have meat and fish."

"I do not. I trade with a group of hunters that pass by my cottage. They have been known to offer their protection too. For the right price." Nykka shrugged.

"Ah, I see." He chuckled, "That is clever..."

"You do not survive as long as I have without being clever." She smiled. "My cottage is rarely discovered. You are the first visitor I've had other than the hunters in nearly two years. It is a work of fate that you managed to find me."

"Indeed, I nearly froze to death."

"That you did." Nykka giggled, "It was silly of you to leave without winter gear."

"Yes, well, I left in a bit of a rush." He grumbled, his mood darkening a bit.

"Nari, when will you tell me about this cult and the other woman?"

"I thought you would leave it alone."

"At your request, I will. But it saddens me that you will not share these feelings with me." She pouted. Narinder considered her a moment before finally giving in.

"Ah, very well." He sighed. "What do you wish to know?"

"How did you meet this other woman and how did she get your crown?"

"You know I was imprisoned by my siblings, yes?"

"I do." Nykka nodded.

"This 'other woman', a Lamb by the name of Mir̃alai, was the last Lamb in the Land of Old Faith. She was sacrificed by my siblings in a hopeless attempt to prevent my freedom. When she appeared in my Domain, I offered her a deal. I would give her life, and in return she would begin a cult in my name. Use that cult to gain power and kill my siblings thus freeing me. She agreed, and played her role well. After defeating my siblings, I called upon her to come to my Domain a final time. When I told her to kneel for sacrifice so I may have my crown once again, she refused. I hadn't counted on such a betrayal. We battled, and she defeated me. She then indoctrinated me into her cult as one of her Followers."

"I see... it was foolish of you to give up your crown for such a selfish reason. The fates were surely working against you from that moment forward."

"Thank you..." He grumbled.