Introduction

Welcome back to Maledicturs Terra. This is a Chain Story between myself and @lex-zaiya, meaning that we each write the parts alternatively.

If you have not read Maledictus Terra Book 1: Mortis Custos yet, it starts HERE at Part 1 and ends at Part 101 HERE. At the end of the Part 101 post you will find links to all 101 Parts!

Maledictus Terra Book 2: Sanguifex started HERE with Part 1 and ends at Part 111 HERE

The previous part by @lex-zaiya can be found HERE.

@lex-zaiya is tying in the characters I have introduced into the villain arcs. Now it is time for me to make more things happen while she has Lethula Molder join the party.

Last week I was really busy at the docks so I had to take a break.

Part 48

Darius kneeled before the Apostle and looked down at the stone floor beneath him. He dared not look up. Not because the Apostle's terrifying gaze made most men quail before him. He merely wanted to show respect.

"Letulah Molder." The name came out of the Apostle like a hiss. "You say that she used silvered bolts?"

"Yes, your Holiness."

"Then this name... Molder... it is of Clarprati."

"What does that mean your Holiness?"

"It means that she is of the people that the Vessel's mother belongs to. The Vessel's uncle has recently re-established that Kingdom... but I do not think him responsible."

Darius remained silent.

"You shall go to Dragonshold and determine with Letulah is there or if she had every been there. Only determine that she is at the Castle or City and report back. Should there be no sign of her in Dragonshold then proceed to Clarpratia."

"Yes, your Holiness." Darius knew that he was dismissed. He rose, bowed deeply and turned and left the Temple.

The Kingdom of Gamore was a coastal region that also boasted grape and sheep farming in a high profusion. By all accounts, this made it an important and wealthy nation. There were also many travelers in the region.

Merchants, trade envoys from nearby nations or even visitors from far away were commonplace in the Kingdom. Strangers could be found on the roads, the cities, the markets and even in the King's palace.

King Djonn of Gamore, Seventh of his name, the Fourteenth monarch of the Chezia Dynasty was a handsome man, or so it was said. He was not weak or weak-minded. His father Neven the Third had instilled the young Djonn with a sense of pride and duty in the ruling ability of the Chezia Dynasty.

He was also fit of body and mind. Capable of leading a war and trained in the use of spear and sword in combat. Should there ever be a need for it, he would be the Captain of his own guard or the General of his own army.

However, there was hardly ever a need for such a thing in the Kingdom of Gamore. The King upheld the peace but with a light hand, focusing on social welfare and thus ensuring that there was no civil unrest and very little incentive to be a criminal in his lands.

And yet, something was changing in Gamore. There had always been religious freedom. But dark sects began to establish themselves on the fringes of communities.

"My King, I implore you. Seek out these churches or temples in the countryside. I sense a great evil brewing there!" The Magister implored the King.

There was something odd about the ruler of Gamore. He seemed less lively than normal... almost impassive.

"I have already sent out my agents to observe these churches Magister, there is nothing to worry about. Their teachings are not false or harmful to the balance of the universe."

"Your Majesty, there are people who would normally feel welcomed in our Kingdom who are beginning to avoid those places and go elsewhere. There is a significant effect imposed on the Kingdom's profits."

The King said nothing and merely stared at the Magister.

"Your Majesty?"

"Leave me. This worry about profits bores me. There fact is that universal truths cannot be denied and if what they teach is the truth then why should I stop them?"

The Magister would not say more. What the King was saying sounded unhinged. He would need to find another solution. He started at the King's face. Impassive and unpassionate.

The Magister bowed and left. He would need to do something soon.

Back to @lex-zaiya

Thank you for reading!

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