Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 123: Halo

Narinder walked calmly to the infants' area, a corner of the cult dedicated to the care and teaching of the little ones. There, sitting at a low wooden table, he took several sheets of paper and began to draw with firm strokes the faces of Lambert and Goliath. The figure of the lamb was full of details that highlighted its sweetness: its fluffy wool and its characteristic red cape with the golden bell. On the other hand, the drawing of the goat showed its imposing scar and a somewhat haughty smile.

Holding the drawings, Narinder showed them to the children with pride, saying in a warm tone: "These two also deserve a lot of respect. They are my closest companions and are part of what makes this cult so special. If they sacrificed themselves and fought for a purpose, we can also learn from them."

The little ones watched attentively, some murmuring how impressive both characters were. Narinder smiled in satisfaction at the fact that he had caught their interest and left the drawings on a board for all the children to see.

Later, Narinder walked over to the cultists' hut area, a neat and quiet section of the cult designed especially for them. Although his own house was on the other side, where he had more privacy, he enjoyed these occasional visits. He looked at the infants' caretakers, fast asleep under the shade of a tree, and a couple of old men sitting quietly reading at the entrances to their huts.

In the distance, his gaze found Lambert. The lamb was sitting on a bench next to Dr. Sozonius, reading a book. The lamb was smiling as the ant enthusiastically explained something to him. The image filled Narinder with tenderness and love, so much so that he wanted to run to Lambert and hug him with all his might. But he restrained himself. He knew Lambert needed his space, and Sozonius had always been a good friend to the lamb, even back in the days when Lambert was Narinder's vessel.

Sighing with a smile, Narinder turned around, and at that moment, he collided with his errand boy, a nervous-looking dog carrying several packages.

"I'm sorry, my lord," the dog said, bowing in apology.

Narinder looked at him calmly, raising an eyebrow, and replied in a slow voice, "Don't worry... you will be punished with capital punishment."

The dog widened his eyes in horror. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice almost shaking.

Narinder laughed softly and corrected, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. In fact... you've served me very well."

The dog looked at him in confusion, not knowing whether to feel relieved or more nervous. Before he could react, Narinder grabbed him with a giant black hand and dragged him through the cult, straight to the temple.

Once at the temple Narinder rang the temple bell, a deep sound that echoed throughout the place. Slowly the cultists left their tasks and made their way into the building. When everyone was gathered, they took their usual places.

Lambert, in his red cloak and golden bell, automatically placed himself on Narinder's right, while Goliath, with his imposing bearing, took his place on the left. It was as if both instinctively knew that these were their places, a reflection of their connection to Narinder and their special position in the cult.

Narinder looked at everyone present, from the youngest to the most experienced devotees. He smiled with satisfaction. "It's time to begin," he muttered to himself, feeling that, with Lambert and Goliath at his side, everything was in balance.

Narinder, with his imposing bearing and firm voice, began his speech from the altar of the temple. His words resonated with authority and fervor among the assembled cultists, who looked up at him with devotion.

"My dear faithful," he began, his voice enveloping the room. "Today, like every day, I pause to reflect on the effort and dedication that all of you put into this cult, into this community that we have built together. Hard work is not just a chore; it is an act of faith.