I'm determined to complete my Thsoling story arc. I hope you enjoy the next installment.
Qoh, the aged priest, and Rham, the stoic warrior have come to a turning point. The time has come for the two men to part ways. One walks a questionable path straight into the heart of the Shadow city of Ziseryll, while the other is released - free to determine his own path.
The spires of Ziseryll loomed, titanic gaunt shapes of lighter darkness rising from an umbral sea. Points of indigo witch fire, to many to count flickered and shifted within the great spires and throughout the darkness that was the great cavern's floor.
"No, Father." Rham resisted. "The skrit were one thing. They're uncouth, but they're a simple and innocent people. Those gehshat," the warrior spat the word as if were poison, "are in league with the Enemy!"
Qoh froze. "Your bigotry is not a credit to your fathers," he replied without turning, his tone was as hard as steel.
"My fathers died fighting the Enemy and his allies, infidels from the Shades, places just like that stain!"
"Rham!" the priest whirled on the grim warrior. His eyes blazed with an intensity the younger man had only seen when Qoh summoned his power. Rham clenched his fists and tensed his muscles. Twelfth Strong Son, their unlikely skrit companion and guide, squealed and skittered back from the two, drawing both of the mens' gazes. The small cavern dweller started to hum as it slowly rocked side to side.
Rham relaxed and turned back to the man who had been his traveling companion for months. "Qoh, I fear your obsession has blinded you." Rham slowly shook his head. "How can you defeat the Enemy, if you work along side It? The closer you let the darkness come, the harder it is to see when you've stepped too far."
Qoh nodded. "What you say is true and your words wise, but you assume that they are the Enemy."
The warrior cut the priest off before he could continue. "They've served IT!" Rham half turned as he led up both hands. "And they don't embrace the Light." He let his hands drop to his sides.
Qoh sighed and his shoulders fell. "How do you know? How many have you spoken to from outside the Kingdom? Have you asked any what they believe? No, they don't serve the Padishah, or bow to the Radiant Throne, but many are still our brothers. And even if they don't serve the Flame, that doesn't mean they embrace the Enemy!"
Rham crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Your words are dangerous. No bother of mine lives amongst the Shades."
Qoh looked deeply into Rham's eyes. The fury was gone, but the intensity of his gaze caused the hairs on the back of the stoic warrior's neck to stand on edge. "Rham...you disappoint me." The words cut both men deep. Twelve Strong Son let out a soft whine. Qoh's eyes shimmered and he turned away, while Rham dropped his gaze to stare blankly at his worn boots.
"I, I will not order you. I do what I feel I must to reach the Library - to stop the Enemy, once and for all. It seems we part here, I consider your duty as my sujrahi fulfilled." Qoh turned back towards the warrior, but the young man's chin was buried in his chest and his eyes were closed. "Safe travels Rham, may the Light guide you and always shine upon you, my brother." The priest tiredly turned towards the city and began to descend the rocky switchback. He waived his right hand, not looking back. "Come, Son."
The skrit clicked and hummed. Twelfth Strong Son shifted his faceted gaze from Qoh's retreating form to to the brawny warrior who now stared back at him. The young guide tilted his head and began to hum louder. "Rhhaamm?"
"No," the warrior said and sharply shook his head. "You, GO!" Rham emphatically pointed at the skrit and then towards the priest's back as he spoke.
The being bobbed his head. "Rhamm," it sighed once more, but it scuttled off after Qoh.
"Look after the old man," the warrior whispered, but only loud enough for himself to hear.
