Page 37

Priest’s hair is cut short, black and wavy, styled to perfection.

His face is clean shaven and looks friendly but his eyes say differently.

He’s small, smaller than I expected. He’s about my height, and skinnier than nearly every man in here.

He doesn't even feel powerful, he feels like a regular man.

Not even one I would fear. Yet, there must be something about him.

He couldn't lead a cult or be so feared if not.

“This is Worth, my lord.” Cal bows and steps back into the rest of the guards. Priest eyes me, his gaze cold and calculating. Intelligence shines in his eyes, so different from the craziness I expected of a cult leader.

“I hear you were attacked.” His voice is smooth and cultured like we are discussing meal choices.

A strained laugh busts out of me, making him arch his eyebrow at me.

“You could say that. It seems you have some traitors in your midst,” I offer.

His face loses all emotion, it’s like looking at a statue.

One that can kill you without even lifting his arm.

He looks at the guards, and without speaking, they drag my kidnapper forward.

“This man?” Priest asks as he slowly walks down the steps towards him.

“Yes. He admitted he is working for the Berserkers and so are some in your-“ I cut off at the word cult and cough out the next part “church.” He smiles knowingly before it wipes clear and he looks to the man at his feet.

“Oh, Gabriel. You know what the price for this betrayal is? I can’t have one of my flock betraying our faith.” Gabriel struggles and screams raggedly through the gag someone must have put on him. Priest gestures idly.

“Take him to Jophiel. Get me the truth and the names of the other men working with him.” The guard nods and drags him away. Poor bastard.

“Now that nasty business is out of the way, would you like a drink?” Priest offers, watching me idly.

“No thanks. I'm here to extend you an invitation and you can understand when I say I would like to be in and out of here as soon as possible.”

Tsking, he stops in front of me. “Fine, champion, my man tells me you are trustworthy. He is loyal so I shall believe him, but only so far.”

I nod in understanding, the blood is still dripping from my wound, soaking into my shirt and I’m starting to feel weak from it.

“I would be inclined to trust you more if you pass a test,” he offers. Cal makes a noise but falls to his knees as Priest looks at him.

“What test would that be?” I ask, willing to do anything to hurry this up. There is something wrong about this place.

“Sacrifice, you must lose that which is precious, to show your devotion.” Inside I panic, what the hell does he mean sacrifice?

“How?” I ask slowly. I can almost sense my men shifting with unease.

“Sacrifice what is yours. Give freely to our God for judgement.”

Fuck, does this guy always speak in riddles?

My head is hurting from earlier, and trying to think through this is causing pain to batter against my nerves.

His eyes drop to my blood for a split second, but it's enough for me to know what he means.

Gritting my teeth, I pull out a blade and hold it against my wounded shoulder.

Careful of the blood glistening on the end, I hand it across to Priest. He smiles at me before turning to the altar.

He kneels before it, the knife balanced on his hands in an offering. I don’t even try to figure out his mumbling before he uses his fingers to spread my blood on the face of the skeleton.

He speaks again before nodding and standing. Turning to face me, he offers me my blade back. I hesitantly take it and slide it away.

“You are to be trusted. You are strong, with a great destiny about you. You will lead us from the darkness.”

Ookkaay. Time to get off this crazy train.

“Now, for the reason why you are here,” he says conversationally, my blood still coating his fingers. While I watch, he raises them to his lips and sucks them clean. Nope, not today crazy. I can’t wait to get out of here .

“There has been a Summit called,” I rush out. His eyes widen and then close down.

“What for?”

“The Berserkers. As you can see, they are getting bolder. They are attacking clan lines and soon there will be war. The Seekers and Reeves both wait in a parlay at The Ring. They ask you to join them in four days.”

“Interesting. Alas, I fear you are right. My flock have been attacked at our borders. They even tried to take one of my wives.” He shivers, his eyes shining with sadness. His emotion is clear but there's something off about it like he's unsure if it’s right and is faking it.

“Do you accept the invitation?” I ask tiredly, my pain making me bold or stupid.

“Can I ask you one thing, champion?” He says, stepping closer.

I nod, gritting my teeth.

“Will you fight with us? If that is what it comes to? Will you fight the Berserkers or will you run away again?” He sneers the last part, ignoring the anger on my face. My voice is clear as day as it rings out around the church like a declaration.

“I run from no one. I will fight again. I will kill Ivar The Destroyer and I will stop this war. On your God and mine, I swear it.” Dramatic, but it seems to do the trick. His smile is shark-like as it stretches across his lips.

“You may tell them I shall be there. I make no promises of treaties, but I shall attend the summit after I clean my flock of these pesky traitors.” With that, he whirls and walks back to his altar, clearly dismissing us.

Fine by me. I stumble against Maxen and he wraps his arm around my waist. Cal eyes the guards before stopping in front of me.

“Looks like The Champion is back.” He leans in to whisper the next. “Be careful on the road back and I shall see you at the Summit.” Nodding. I turn, and without waiting for the others and using Maxen as a crutch, I walk out of the church.