The Promise
Author: Keith Haney
Flakes of ash settled on her skin and hair as she stared at the distant bonfire. The surrounding forest was awash with dancing hues of orange and yellow. Lilith watched as the feral warrior tribe hurled braided thatch idols onto the roaring fire. The scene evoked an aura of the surreal, as though time had slowed just enough to tap on the window of her subconscious. Hundreds of animated bodies circled the fire in a purposeful dance. Their chants blending with the fire’s crackles and hisses.
Tonight was a special occasion for the Grimme. Earlier this day they had claimed the body of an infidel. His mere presence this deep into the lands of the Grimme merited the ceremonial removal of his earthly vessel. Even the Grimme knew that the Gods of men were prone to bringing back their favored sons. This ceremonial fire, was made to consume the body of the fallen, as was goblin tradition. Lilith had witnessed this before, but never for someone she had known.
Earlier this evening when she had come here it had seemed a simple matter to claim a piece of the man. Obtain a portion of his body and depart. The holy men of the mountain fortress would do the rest. The Grimme had established this ceremony to counter the action she was currently contemplating. The primitive nature of the ritual was crude, but effective. She would have to veil her true form until she could get close enough. Then she would merely employ her power of trans-location and the deed would be done.
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