God Hunter

Chapter 20: Taken

Shortly after the time in Tsarina, they departed for the city of Rus. They arrived only after a few days. When they did arrive, night had just settled. The city was located on a peninsula, surrounded by foggy woodland. In the center of the city was a high walled stone castle. The cone shaped rooves of the towers were covered in red tiles. Illya looked up at the formidable structure. The team gathered around the holomap.

"This is Olga's shrine. After this, there will only be two more to visit. Then, we will have to make the long trek back to Awazu," said Illya "Things have been smooth lately. This time Anastasia and I will go on our own. If there is a problem, we will let you know."

"Understood. Good luck you two," said Tracker.

The sisters then departed for the city. Soon they arrived and entered through the castle gates. They entered a chapel off to the side. There were lit candles though the building was empty. At the end of the chapel stood the shrine of Olga. She looked to be wearing a crown and hood with robes and a cloak. In her hands was a cross.

"Strange," said Anastasia "There should be a priestess here."

"Maybe they are just not here at the moment," Illya replied.

"Something feels off. Let us obtain the artifact and go."

Illya nodded and touched the shrine. She closed her eyes and found herself transported to a castle court. She stood in the center of a red carpet. At the end of it were three steps that lead up to a red throne. The windows on both sides were stained glass with bright vibrant colors. The stained-glass patterns depicted scenes of the Warrior Goddesses and their battles. One shows Humans and Elves cowering behind them. Another showed Tomoe Gozen with her sword, as if leading the charge. Suddenly, a door off to the side opened and a woman walked out. She looked just the same as the shrine. Some of her brown hair could be seen from under the hood. Her robes were golden and the small cloak she wore was black. There were patterns of crosses and flowers on the golden and white part of her robe. The cross she carried in her hand was golden. She then sat in her throne. Illya gave a bowed on one knee.

"Please rise my niece," Olga said.

Illya then slowly stood.

"Come closer my dear."

Illya approached slowly.

"You do not have to be afraid my dear. I will not bring harm to you."

"I apologize. Catherine said that you were a Goddess of deception."

Olga began to chuckle.

"I, Olga, only gained that through deceiving the Gods. They believed me to be on their side when in reality I had been plotting to take them down from the inside. I only used trickery for them. Catherine have never truly seen eye to eye."

"I understand now. I assume you know why I am here?"

"Of course, my dear. I will grant you the tanto of Tomoe Gozen," said Olga taking one hand off her cross and opening her palm.

As Illya conversed with Olga, Anastasia sat in one of the pews waiting for her sister. She felt something behind her. She turned around and blasted a wolf in the face with an orb of mana. Her flew out the door of the chapel. She then rushed out, mana in hand when she saw the castle was full of the wolf Servants. She gritted her teeth. Two wolves leapt at her and blasted them both through the chest with mana. The blue had turned to ed. One wolf had run past to the chapel. Anastasia cast another spell, killing the wolf.

"What makes you think I will let any of you monsters past me without a fight!"

A wolf charges Anastasia. She does a spin sidestep and casts a fire spell, igniting the beast. She continues battling the beasts. Despite how any she kills, more appear and some slip past her. She turns her head and see two have reached Illya.