Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 43: Heretics, Part One: Darkwood

After taking care of dishes and a few other things that needed done around the cottage, Narinder packed a bag with some basic supplies that may be useful for their long journey. He did not have many weapons, instead a choice few that he was highly proficient with. Typically, he would choose his scythe. That time, however, he grabbed a set of sickles and attached them to the leather belt that went around his outer robe.

"Any reason for the sickles?" Merida asked as they stepped off his porch to begin the trek to the Doorways.

"They are easier to travel with." He answered simply. "I do not want to carry my scythe for the entire trip. If we go through multiple Domains as you wish to, it will become cumbersome for me."

"Fair enough." She chuckled. She couldn't deny she was interested to see him wield them. Thus far, she had only seen him use his naginata during the objective sparring portion of her training. While he took his scythe with him whenever they ventured away from the cottage, he hadn't had cause to use it yet. "How often do you visit the Domains?"

"Not often... a few times each year. I don't like causing Nykka and your Mother stress, so I make a point not to risk it more than necessary. There are herbs that can only be found in Dark Wood and Anura though. Spider's silk is also an invaluable resource I plan to collect an ample supply of while we're out."

"What about Anchordeep?"

"I have only been to Anchordeep on one occasion since my banishment. I have no use for the crystals there, but Kenedra requested a few for an art project." Merida nodded a little, truthfully she was surprised that Nykka allowed him to go to the Domains at all given their proximity to both her Domain and Mir̃alai's cult.

"Do you sneak into the Domains?"

"Unfortunately, I had no choice up until the day Kenedra came to live with me. I could not risk being seen, so I only went in the dead of night. Now that contact has been resumed, I am less careful. Nykka has confronted me on one occasion, but she did not become too angry, and allowed me to proceed after an explanation. I imagine it helps that the supplies I gather now will serve Kenedra as well. As for your mother... It is fortunate that the rock walls bordering her Cult as well as the summoning platform beyond her gate hide the Doors from view within the grounds. I imagine that her followers would be frightened, just as they had been last year when they ventured up to the gates to see me." Merida nodded, remembering that day well. True enough, she was not able to see him until she was at the gate. It felt so long ago...

"Well, I've got your back if someone questions you today." Merida assured him. He chuckled and shook his head.

"I appreciate the sentiment, Merida, but there is no need. Nykka and I have reached an understanding on the matter. I am allowed to enter the Domains as long as I slip in quickly, and leave just as so." Merida lifted her staff to rest on her shoulders.

"Has your relationship with Nykka gotten any better...?" She asked tentatively.

"I believe so. At least, there is rarely an argument. The last time she raised her voice against me was before my punishment. Which is perfectly understandable given what she had learned that day. Each encounter we have had since has been civil."

"Good... I didn't like you two fighting, regardless if you deserved it or not. It made Ken so upset." Narinder nodded, but said nothing. His most polite way of dropping the subject.

Once the two arrived at the Doors, Merida took the lead. She crossed the open area in front of Nykka's Domain and the sealed Door that once belonged to Narinder. She spared a glance towards the Cult grounds, and was pleased to see that no one was within her range of sight. Meaning, she and Narinder were hidden perfectly well. She waited in front of Darkwood for Narinder to join her side, and the two stepped into the Domain together.