Orrius Forest, Barcelona
It seems like mountains are riddled with secrets, their depths often unknown. Deep inside the canopy of the towering trees, an occasional haunting wail can be heard. The fog that covered the forest floor adds to the hauntingly beautiful vibe that deters locals from exploring it unless necessary.
Unknown to many, the forest is indeed hiding a deep sinister secret. Nestled inside it is a secret community of worshippers. They worship not the Gods of the old, but a darker sinister presence that wants to envelope the land. This community is not living in thatched houses or dilapidated buildings.
No. These worshippers are living in castle-like structures. Most of their floors, however, are built underground, where sunlight cannot penetrate. The fog also masks their presence from brave locals, and if it's not enough, the Nightcrawlers will have the trespasser as their meal.
Their quiet, almost undetected presence was one day disturbed, when one of the towers, in the central region of the community lit up. All of the thirteen houses that surrounded the thirteen circular towers rushed to the second tower.
An elder from the Second Manor of the One-Eyed Society immediately went there and was aghast at the site. The other elders from other manors also rushed over to see what shocked the elder from the Second Manor.
In front of them lay Regina's twitched body. Her eyes were burnt, and aside from the self-inflicted wound on her hands and forehead, every other orifice in her body was also oozing blood. Inky black blood.
"Hurry! Have someone call the Prima Hechicera (a healer for those who practice dark arts)" roared the Second Manor's Elder.
Someone immediately heeded the elder's command and sent a hawk to call for the healer.
"You have to hold on Sister, the Prima is going to come soon. Conserve your strength," he told Regina.
Regina was unable to answer, she just lay feebly on the floor, blood quickly draining from her body. Seconds after the hawk was sent out, a flash of red light appeared beside Regina.
A young woman with red eyes, long curly black hair, and clean and short fingernails immediately kneeled beside her. Her long red robe fit languidly on her body. She exuded innocence, just like her small face. She tore Regina's upper garment, her beautiful weak-looking hand, a stark contrast to the strength she displayed.
Upon seeing that the inverted cross in Regina's chest now bore a hole through her skin, the lady shook her head.
"It was Angelic, or maybe even more. One of the holy beings from Eden perhaps. Only they could create such devastation from the followers of The Great Tenebrio." She told the elders.
"Where was she assigned again?" She asked.
"Speaking to the Prima, Regina is assigned with five other priestesses from Manor's one to six. They are paving the way for the summoning of the Fallen Lord. As per our last conversation with Sabado de Gloria, they managed to summon him, and he is now occupying the body of a companion of a trainee priest assigned to the Cardinal. The council suggested that Regina stay in Castile to assist the Fallen Lord."
"Hmmm.. I understand. You need to prepare for a summoning tonight. Her soul already left and is now in Hell. I will talk with the council about our next step. Irrelevant people should leave this tower. Just let her bleed here, it will save us another body to feed the Tower." The Prima told the elders.
A chorus of "understood Prima" rang out of the hall. Everyone turned to leave and the Prima Hechicera just flashed out of the tower.
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Center of the Thirteen Towers, Underground, Prima Hechicera's Quarters
The lady was deep in thought as to what caused the severe reaction from Regina. High-Priestesses like her have an almost indestructible body. They can even fight on par with the beings from Kaibabawan and Kaidadalman, except the Royals of course. But guards and ordinary citizens from that realm can just crush them.
She was puzzled because even if the Royals of those two realms took action, their combined power would not be able to reduce a High-Priestess into that state. She sat woodenly at her table. Then, she cut her palms and let the blood drip into the shallow dish. After seeing that enough blood was gathered, she licked her wounds and it immediately healed. Her red eyes also glowed brighter.
The Prima then took a book bound by a bright red leather. It was stitched haphazardly as if it was not made by a professional. She turned to a blank page and wrote, "
Esteemed Council Members,
I humbly request the honor of your presence at a council gathering scheduled for tomorrow evening. We must convene to address a matter of great importance. Our esteemed High Priestess, who is entrusted with the noble duty of assisting the Fallen Lord, has arrived bearing the burnt unmistakable mark of our faith. The noble Manors have taken it upon themselves to organize a meeting and summoning to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her arrival. We are resolved to uncover the truth and seek clarity on this mysterious occurrence.
During our gathering, we shall deliberate on the future course of action and explore avenues for communicating with The Great Tenebrio to seek guidance and discern further instructions. Your wisdom, insight, and discernment are indispensable as we navigate this pivotal juncture.
I implore you to join me in this crucial endeavor for the betterment of our esteemed One-Eyed Society. Your presence and counsel are greatly valued and eagerly anticipated.
With utmost respect and reverence,
Katalina
Prima Hechicera
Northern Council of the One-Eyed Society"
Meanwhile, the Elders above urged their minions to lure residents from the nearby town. The Nightcrawlers are ordered to abduct villagers from neighboring cities, transporting them by the underground channel. They needed to be back before ten in the evening, just before the summoning.
The other hechiceras and hechiceros as well as the brujas and brujos prepare a massive amount of plants and animals required for the summoning. Some are meticulously inspecting them, while others are preparing the sigil to be used.
Underground, after writing the summoning, the Prima retreated into her dark chambers. She took off her robe and slipped into the coffin. Having to appear above in daylight depleted her a little. She needs to rest for the summoning later on. That was the last thought on her head as her attendant closed the lid on the coffin where she laid down to rest.