Hung by chains

14. Haunted

Suddenly, the main doors swung open. A single hooded figure emerged and shouted:

"All rise for the great and all-powerful Hakashim!"

Solace, Manon, and the other humans' attention was driven to the forming crowd. Above it, a litter embellished with black veils gracefully advanced. Excessive amounts of golden metal pendants, medals, and chains hung from the top of the veil castle, draping down to ornate the dome gracefully. The litter resembled the "tents" little kids made by cloaking a blanket atop two chairs, but far more sophisticated. The only sound in the room was the rattling of chains and the steps of the people carrying the litter. They hid their faces behind eagle and crane masks, while their bodies were covered with silky black fabrics.

Suddenly, they stopped. They lowered the litter. A hooded figure emerged from it. A black cloak oozed from the top of her head to the floor, completely concealing her appearance.

Solace was petrified.

And she wasn't the only one.

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"Finally," said Skafil in a shaky voice. "You need to know about Hakashim: she is our most special guest, the one behind our little... "Get together". It is forbidden to keep imagery of her, since the times we are allowed to see her face are extremely rare, and it must stay that way." He explained.

"Wow, she must be quite important in that case..." added Solace.

"Indeed: I'm glad it didn't fly over your head." The blond responded sarcastically. "She will call on the family leaders, which would be referring to Vexx and I."

" Are there only two? Your community sure is small" Solace remarked, being reminded of the "six most influential families" Esvidaijah mentioned.

"..." Skafil pretended to not have heard her

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Hakashim's hood twisted to accompany the movement of her turning head: she was scanning the room.

All she saw were a bunch of pathetic, paralyzed poltroons.

"Family leaders." She choked.

Skafil and Vexx stepped forward and kneeled before Hakashim, without meeting her eyes.

Hakashim spoke again.

"Sutton and Tohv..." her voice was dry and breathy. The men shuddered under their mention. "...I'm counting on you to carry this ceremony perfectly."

"Yes, great Hakashim!" they exclaimed in unison, shaking in terror.

Skafil looked discreetly into the crowd to find Kasvald. Sure enough, he was terrified, just like everyone else in the room. Skafil felt the need to go and assure him that nothing would happen to him. That he would protect him.-

A bony, ghastly hand covered in all sorts of rings grabbed Skafil's face and yanked it to meet a pair of sickly yellow eyes.

They were full of disapproval.

"Sutton, I especially put my trust in you... I don't want another incident with your brother."

"..." Skafil looked as though he had just crossed eyes with something worse than death. He was petrified, and also... hypnotized.

Skafil managed to blink and cut the eye contact for a split second. He glanced at his brother.

Kasvald appeared serious, but a knowing eye could easily figure out he was mortified: the shake of his tight fist, the way his bottom lip was tightly tucked under his teeth, worry glossing his eyes...