The War of Gods

Chapter 2 - Part 4

It had been a while since Mavar had killed someone. He was a scholar by nature, you see. He reserved killing for particularly annoying bandits that got in the way of his travels.

He had never killed an innocent man before, and he thought he would feel worse about it. He hadn't quite felt the same about death since he himself had died. He glanced at his ring.

Mavar!, a screamed pierced his thoughts, and the old images followed. An ambush. Blood, lots of blood. And then darkness. He felt numb towards these memories at this point.

His ring stopped glowing and he noticed the black essence flowing towards him. Into him. He had almost forgotten about it. It was similar to dark mist, except it was thicker, like dirty water that could somehow float. Mavar wasn't completely sure what it was, but it made Him stir, so he had a few guesses. Even now, as he absorbed the mysterious substance, he could feel God rumble in the back of his mind, as if relishing on a fine meal.

"What's going on in there?" he heard a Keeper shout from the other side of the gate. Joel stepped up beside him as the squad gathered at the centre of the yard, recomposing themselves. He assumed this was a first kill for most of them.

Chief Ghuil locked eyes with each of them, and they all gave a quick nod. Back turned to the gate, he waved an arm, and the gates began to open. Mavar could see one of the Keepers behind him, peeking through the crack with his torch. He wouldn't be able to see Mavar and his squad, standing in the dark.

"Dough? Kinley? You lads alright?"

Ghuil, with his back still to the gate, disappeared into a puff of silvery mist, reappearing instantly behind the unaware guard with arms outstretched, crouching slightly in the air, holding a gleaming dagger. With a swift motion, he plunged it into the guard's neck. The second guard cursed and dropped his torch. He frantically rushed to unsheathe his sword but Chief was already on him.

An Ice Knife struck the Keeper's forehead which Ghuil pause. They all turned to the source of the spell. Jordan.

"That knife could've killed me, boy." Ghuil said while recovering his dagger. Jordan cringed slightly. "You're lucky you're a damn good shot." He cringed a little less.

The youth was so eager to prove himself. That got him into trouble more often that it brought him praise.

"The army's coming," Chief noted. Mavar could see the mass of corpses barely half a mile away. "We'll start the pillaging first. Divide the guards' attention.

"Jordan, you're with me. The rest of yous pick a house and throw the furniture around a little. Feel free to keep whatever valuables you find. Just torch the place once you're done.

"Oh, and remember, no survivors."