Tears of the victims: Departure for Petra

Mortis could feel Primus' power spreading, and Osmirnis backed further and further away. He knew that this loss was probably testing the limits of the god's patience. Gods can lose or fail, but what they don't like at all is when their followers turn their backs on them and turn to other gods. That doesn't allow for their ego or their pettiness. But as he pondered these thoughts, Mortis crossed the rows of imprisoned humans and found Lina in a corner, being comforted by her servant.

Curious, he approached the vixen and sat down next to her. Looking into her red eyes, he asked, "It seems you've lost something you're looking for. So, animal man, what are you looking for on a continent of humans?"

Lina lifted her head, wiped her tears and answered with a trembling smile: "I'm looking for my mother and sister. We are nobles, our land was invaded by an alliance, and they were taken by slavers. Beastmen have a high value, and it is hard for us to stand among humans. But my servant and I managed to escape. Now I'm trying to find my family and free them."

Mortis nodded in understanding, stood up and said: "Fine, then I'll help you. But first we should pack the criminals and their captives into the wagons and reach the nearest town. There, the lord of this area should take care of his people. I am not the lord of this continent, but it will be easy for me to find your family. I'm still employed by you as an adventurer until we reach the next town. So we should be on our way. After that, you two are welcome to follow me on my journey. After all, I didn't want to linger too long on this continent, and it seems that the realm of the beastmen is really worth a trip. Perhaps I should aim for that first if my journey takes me to higher lands. Considering that even without the blessing, you guys are so far ahead that even 12-year-old kids can kill people easily, this could really be a new experience."

He went back to the convoy, had his spirits fill the thieves' wagons with them as occupants, and then continued north with the merchants and victims. The road lay ahead of them, and Mortis could already feel the changes in the landscape as they approached the next town.

The night in the desert was actually very dangerous, but the spirits flying around the convoy, commanded by Mortis, gave the traders and adventurers wings. They looked ahead in anticipation, where Mortis sat at the head of the carriage, carrying his scythe across his back. He pierced the night with his silver eye and led the small convoy like an army he was leading into battle. Attentive and full of pride, he looked ahead, with nothing to make him flinch.

Mountains came closer and closer, and a town slowly became visible. The houses were carved right into the mountain, and this view of the ancient city at night was mesmerizing. Mortis was eager to see what it was like to walk into a city that was carved directly into the mountain. The convoy approached the gates of the city, and the travelers were ready to begin their next leg of the journey.

The soldiers and guards of the town watched the convoy suspiciously and readied themselves for battle. It was unusual for anything to arrive at night, as the monsters and dangerous animals became active at night. Only the insane dared to travel from town to town at night. But now a huge convoy was arriving, and even the count of the city of Petra was getting ready in full battle gear as they expected an attack.

Outside the gates, the convoy slowed down as a voice, amplified by magic, asked them to slow down. At the same time, they showed that they were not hostile. They were also advised to come from a certain direction and not to approach the city head-on. Mortis agreed, ordered the party to follow, and then faced a small army led by Count Solaman. The count froze when he saw King Mortis entering his city with a convoy of merchants.

The count wanted to ask if the lord was really King Mortis of Bayaroma. But when he saw the spirits gathering around Mortis and then disappearing again, he was certain that this was the real Mortis. Nervously, Solaman approached Mortis and asked what brought him to him and why he came with a merchant convoy instead of a formal guard and more. Mortis explained nothing, but signaled, and the merchants and adventurers took the captured bandits out of the carriages as well as the slaves to show what they had encountered.

Then Mortis said dryly, "It seems these criminals have led me to you. After all, I tracked them down in your realm. They have defiled a tomb of death and made it their base, where they murdered, kept slaves and committed inhuman acts. The followers of Osmirnis have already been judged, but now I bring you this band of criminals so you can decide what to do with them, as well as the poor victims who were at their mercy."

The count, who seemed somewhat overwhelmed, was assisted by a general who immediately took charge and ordered the guards and soldiers to take the bandits into custody. Mortis noticed this and pointed to Lina and his companions. He said to the count: "This is my escort. How about showing us your beautiful city? It's night, and where else could we have a better conversation than in your city?"

On the way to the castle, the young count peppered Mortis and his companion with questions, not forgetting to point out the town's special features. He was relieved and full of curiosity to talk to Mortis, who seemed to be about the same age physically. The Count was glad about the unexpected encounter and hoped to have found an interesting conversation partner in Mortis.