The Phoenix and the Lamb

Chapter 13

Disclaimer: I do not own Cult of the Lamb or the dialogue in the game. I am simply a fan of the game. I was inspired by Jbrine061. Please check out her story. She is amazing. Now onto the story.
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Edan faced cultist after cultist as he escaped the sacrificial grounds. Well, they should be referred to as heretics because they did not follow his new Cult. While heading to the exit, Edan found a chest which contained his traveling gear! Happy to see a change of clothes, he took them from the chest. Looking at the Red Crown, he wondered if it worked like Ebany's secret stash. Ebany had a magical compartment that she could summon at will and store things, like her infinity bag. Curious, Edan held the clothes to the Crown and in they went! So he could use it as an inventory storage!

Upon exiting, Edan became upon a tent that was set up. Sitting by it was a rat, with a scarred closed eye and wearing a paper crown on his head and a green tunic. He used a staff to get up and walked over to Edan. Edan stepped back with his sword out, not trusting them one bit. The rat stopped in front of him, holding a hand up.

"Fear not, I am Ratau. I was once a chosen vessel like you, but those days are lost to the winds." He said. Edan rose a brow and lowered his sword. He did notice that the paper crown on his head mimicked his own. Deciding to hear Ratau out, Edan let the sword return to a Crown.

"I was sent to guide you. We are deep in the lands of the Old Faith and we are in grave danger..." Ratau told him. "My instructions are to lead to safety. Continue through the woods. Escape lies ahead! I will be close by." Ratau dug into the ground and burrowed away. Edan guessed he wasn't one for conversation...

Edan made his ways through the lands, killing heretics and collecting their bones, storing them away. Ebany told him that finding bones either meant something died or they could be used to make bone meal. Upon reaching the next area, he saw that a sacrificial alter was set up with heretics all around a poor rabbit, tied and bound on the alter.

Ratau appeared from his burrow and stood next to Edan. "We have reached safety, but look ahead! Another poor soul about to be sacrificed." Ratau looked at Edan. "Rescue them and they would have no choice but to join your new Cult." He advised. Edan figured that he needed to start somehow and this was the way to do it. Besides, if it meant the Bishops wouldn't get a sacrifice, even better!

"Oh mighty Bishops of the Old Faith! We ask you to accept the sacrifice of this wretched soul-" The cultist holding the knife stopped as they notice someone coming towards them.

"Hey! Who interrupts our ritual and trespasses on sacred ground?!" Another said.

Edan appeared with a sword in hand. "That would be me." He came at them, killing each one and successfully freed the rabbit. Edan helped them up from the bindings, "it's okay. I'll take you somewhere safe." He said. With a swift movement and quick use of the Red Crown, the rabbit was lifted up and sucked into a portal, teleporting them to his next destination. After a while, Edan met Ratau again.

"We have reached safety. You have done well. The Red Crown will allow you to use the markings on the ground to transport yourself great distances. It will take you to a temple that has fallen to ruin. There you will be able to begin your new Cult. I will meet you there." Ratau burrowed once again, disappearing into the earth. Edan followed what he said to do and did indeed appear at the old ruins. He looked around as he stepped off from the circle. Ratau came from his burrow again and walked to Edan.

"This hallowed ground which once was mine, is now yours. This crumbling ruin is to be the site of your new Cult." He looked at where the rabbit that he had rescued now appeared. "We have much to do. We begin by indoctrinating this poor soul into the warm embrace of your Cult." Ratau looked at Edan and instructed him on what to do. "Followers can gather resources for you. Order this one to collect lumber or stone to start."