{"id":2621,"date":"2015-09-01T00:01:09","date_gmt":"2015-09-01T04:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=2621"},"modified":"2015-09-09T06:17:21","modified_gmt":"2015-09-09T10:17:21","slug":"blessings-and-curses-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/blessings-and-curses-part-two\/","title":{"rendered":"Blessings and Curses, Part Two"},"content":{"rendered":"

I hope you enjoyed the first part of\u00a0Blessings and Curses\u00a0<\/em>(and I hope you’re enjoying\u00a0The Fall<\/em>). \u00a0We saw last week that Conrad isn’t faring so well since his encounter with the Blacklehnian. \u00a0It’s not altogether as bad as that hulking man is faring though. \u00a0And since only he knows of the curse he spoke of, it’s up to Conrad to keep him alive. \u00a0In this next portion of the story, Conrad takes the man to some allies in the city…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blessings and Curses<\/strong>
\n-Part Two-<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

The sun was still far beyond the horizon, but the tinges of fire opal and cerulean in the sky heralded its arrival.\u00a0 The cleric had labored for some time to reach the temple district of Atalatha, made all the more difficult by the burden he bore.<\/p>\n

Conrad had borrowed a cart from the front of one merchant\u2019s shop and stretched hide from another, all under the cloak of night.\u00a0 Even with the wooden wheels lending their aid, the weight of the transport made for a tiresome task.\u00a0 Conrad dragged his forearm across his sweaty brow and noticed the prominence of his veins once more.\u00a0 He tried to dismiss the dull pain as mere weariness, his muscles protesting his labors.\u00a0 That sight of the blackness returning to his body proved he was deceiving himself.<\/p>\n

He pulled on the hide, making sure the feet that dangled off the edge of the cart were properly concealed.\u00a0 Conrad fought past the pain and fatigue, lifting the cart once more.\u00a0 He set to work, pressing forward, the path before him familiar.\u00a0 While the main entrance to the temple of Mathias was much closer, it was also prominently displayed before all.\u00a0 And while Eltan Mane, the duke of the city, had declared the Blacklehnian prisoners were in fact \u201cguests,\u201d he wasn\u2019t so sure the sight of the violet band would be accepted by the other parishioners.<\/p>\n

Instead, Conrad opted for a more discrete route.\u00a0 The temple complex in northeastern Atalatha encompassed each of the major gods, though some, like that to Nerot, were relegated to smaller places of worship.\u00a0 Each of them celebrated their dead, those tried and true heroes of a particular craft or designation.\u00a0 Craftsman, clerics, farmers, and soldiers were all given respects \u2013 unless there was no coin to see them safely into the ground.<\/p>\n

Atalatha\u2019s dead had been piling up for some time.\u00a0 With the recent attacks by Blacklehn laying waste to much of the city\u2019s defenses, whole families had been removed in a manner most permanent.\u00a0 With no one able to pay for a funeral or construct a box, they were placed atop the pile.<\/p>\n

Conrad held his arm over his mouth and nose, for that pile, far to the north of the cemetery, had grown large and fetid.\u00a0 The corpses were left to rot in the summer sun, and there were not enough gravediggers in the city to properly bury them.\u00a0 Conrad recalled his last visit to the temples, where a more respected member of the clergy had suggested the clerics and healers exercise some humility and pick up a shovel.\u00a0 He was dejected when he was reminded the injured still outnumbered the dead.<\/p>\n

The pile was useful for one thing:\u00a0 None of the gravediggers batted an eye when he drove his cart through the area, a lifeless body doing little to raise suspicion.\u00a0 The foul stench chased most other folk away, but it left the path to the rear of the temple of Mathias clear and uninhabited.\u00a0 Still, the journey was long and arduous.\u00a0 By the time he arrived at the discrete back door of the grand stone building, the sun had lifted over the side of Atalatha\u2019s walls.\u00a0 The dull pain had grown fierce, like solitary pin pricks in random parts of his body.\u00a0 His veins were more prominent then as well.<\/p>\n

As he studied his strange metamorphosis, the door swung open, and a set of chainmail rattled.\u00a0 Conrad lowered his arm and shook his head, taking account of the man who filled the doorframe.\u00a0 He let show a weary grin when he saw the familiar paladin, who appeared as tired as he.\u00a0 A vow of silence meant no complaints would be heard, even when his labors became too strenuous.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Robert,\u201d Conrad said.<\/p>\n

The paladin bowed and flashed a polite smile to his friend.\u00a0 He moved forward and extended his arm, but before he reached Conrad, he noticed the cart and the odd contents of it.\u00a0 He tugged the hide away, revealing the hulking Blacklehnian.<\/p>\n

Conrad was already nodding before his friend narrowed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been an interesting few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The man from Blacklehn was laid out on the cot, breathing steady once more, but still unconscious.\u00a0 Beside him, the cleric sat in a plush chair, a far-off stare helping him to endure the agonizing thrum pulsing through his body.\u00a0 Caught in that reflection, he didn\u2019t hear the tapping of boots coming down the adjoining hallway.\u00a0 When the door swung open, he nearly flung himself from his seat.<\/p>\n

Two other members of the clergy entered, though Robert lingered at the door for a moment.\u00a0 He gave a nod and a grin and pulled the way shut once more.\u00a0 The second fellow, much older and renowned, sent a cursory glance in Conrad\u2019s direction but turned his attention to the Blacklehnian.\u00a0 After a brief inspection, he poked and prodded at the large captive and finally shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems no worse for wear.\u00a0 I assume he had injuries before this which you tended to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Conrad said, wincing as he rose from his seat.\u00a0 \u201cThere were efforts made to rouse him as well, but no such luck, I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 His injuries were sustained several hours ago, and since then, he\u2019s done naught but breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d\u00a0 The priest leaned forward, tracing his finger along the Blacklehnian\u2019s body, locating scars and blemishes.\u00a0 When he arrived at his neck, he saw the more recent injury.\u00a0 He swung about and furled his brow.\u00a0 \u201cThis wound he has, he incurred this last night?\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have to remind you such injuries will sap one\u2019s energy, especially a patient as massive as this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Master Lener.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have the utmost respect for you, my boy,\u201d Richard said, trying to placate the healer.\u00a0 \u201cAnd after what you\u2019ve done for one of my dearest friends\u2026\u00a0 They say Randall\u2019s recovery is going well, and we can thank you for that.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t dare to question your motives in bringing this man here, though I must say my curiosity is piqued.\u00a0 You\u2019ve done well, and this man would survive in any bed you placed him in.\u00a0 So why here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Conrad cleared his throat and braced himself against the chair.\u00a0 \u201cThis man was pursued last night, much to his chagrin.\u00a0 Two patrons from the Bravado attacked him in an alley, and he retaliated.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t think he planned on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he was fearful of his life?\u201d Richard\u2019s tone dripped of incredulity.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Conrad approached the slumbering Blacklehnian.\u00a0 He opened his eyelids, observing the unresponsive pupils.\u00a0 \u201cHe badly hurt his aggressors.\u00a0 But he came back several moments later, set on killing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t expect much else from a barbarian of the north.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Conrad said, shocked straight by the sting of the darkness.\u00a0 \u201cThis was different, though.\u00a0 His eyes glowed green, and he seemed somewhat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, child?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I don\u2019t know this man, but he seemed to be under duress, like he wasn\u2019t in control of himself.\u00a0 After I healed him, he was conscious for but a moment.\u00a0 In that time, he grabbed my wrist and warned me of a curse \u2013 one he believed he had been afflicted with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard folded his arms across his chest.\u00a0 \u201cDamn it all.\u00a0 You told Robert about this?\u201d\u00a0 Faced with a nod from the healer, the priest expelled a weary sigh.\u00a0 \u201cThat blasted vow of silence\u2026 You\u2019d think people in our profession might need the use of their voice more than many.\u00a0 I\u2019m tired of trying to translate my son\u2019s wordless antics, but he did attempt to discuss this curse with me.\u00a0 Your account made things much easier to understand, though, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what do we do with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard chortled.\u00a0 \u201cIf I were not a man of the cloth, I\u2019d say we put him in the pile out there.\u00a0 Seeing as Eltan has pardoned all the Blacklehnians, though, I suppose we should do our best to treat him like a citizen of Atalatha.\u00a0 Green eyes and what almost sounds like possession, you say?\u00a0 I\u2019ll consult with some of the tomes in the Great Library.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure the clerics have conducted some manor of research on such an affliction.\u00a0 I\u2019ll return within a few hours, if we\u2019re lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should we do with our guest in the meantime?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another laugh shook Richard\u2019s narrow frame.\u00a0 \u201cIf he\u2019s been unresponsive so far, I doubt we\u2019ll have to watch him too closely.\u00a0 He won\u2019t be wandering off.\u00a0 In any case, I\u2019ll send Robert this way to observe him while I study.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Master Lener,\u201d Conrad said.\u00a0 Richard waved away the compliment and proceeded into the temple.<\/p>\n

Once a considerable time had passed, the cleric shut the door.\u00a0 In solitude but for the man who shared his secret, he finally allowed himself a powerful gasp.\u00a0 Gone was the pulsing pain, replaced instead by a constant hum beneath his skin like shards of glass had replaced the blood in his veins.\u00a0 He tensed his muscles and scratched at his limbs until bright red lines were prominent above the blackened colors of his veins.\u00a0 Growling away the horrible discomfort, he wasted little time racing toward an antechamber, ripping the door open there.<\/p>\n

Past a narrow hallway, Conrad saw a kitchen gone unused for some time.\u00a0 Inside, dust covered much of the counter space, and cobwebs clung to the cooking utensils hung on the nearest wall.\u00a0 Crates and barrels were lined against a side wall, rotten from misuse and water damage.<\/p>\n

He wasted little time identifying the sink in the room and made his way to it.\u00a0 When he adjusted the tap, clear water did not pour from the spigot.\u00a0 Instead, grimy, murky brown liquid oozed into the basin.\u00a0 Conrad braced himself against the counter, his brow marred by sweat.\u00a0 The sting and itch beneath his skin had him seeing spots.\u00a0 Through that difficulty though, his vision settled on a rack of utensils before him.\u00a0 Reaching out, he grabbed a wooden meat tenderizer and took a deep breath.\u00a0 He peered through the dirt caked window and laid his left hand flat across the counter.<\/p>\n

Conrad lifted the mallet high and smashed it against his hand.\u00a0 The initial shock of that rush of pain washed over him like a cool breeze.\u00a0 The discomfort and sting from the curse he had inherited could no longer be felt, disguised beneath the hefty blow he had delivered to himself.<\/p>\n

He breathed easier then, even as he pulled his newly injured hand close to his chest.\u00a0 Unable to squeeze his fingers into a fist, he rested it there upon curled knuckles.<\/p>\n

Spinning back toward the door, he nearly jumped backward.\u00a0 Robert stood there, his eyebrow arched.\u00a0 He crossed his arms over his chest and glowered at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much of that did you see?\u201d Conrad asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The cleric sat against the wall, his head lying against dust and cobwebs.\u00a0 Though his agony had been compartmentalized for some time, the confusion had run its course.\u00a0 The darkness was circulating through his body like toxic sludge, like poison through his veins.\u00a0 Worse still, the injury he had inflicted on himself was no longer a distraction, simply adding to his woes instead.<\/p>\n

Robert\u2019s footsteps resonated in the antechamber, and Conrad lifted his head, waiting for what felt like an eternity for his friend to arrive.\u00a0 The paladin entered the room with a large burlap sack in his hands and sat it down beside his weary companion.<\/p>\n

Without missing a beat, Conrad swept the bag in front of him and rooted through it.\u00a0 When he pulled out a bottle marked \u201cessence of mandrake,\u201d he uncorked it and quaffed it in an instant.\u00a0 He let his shoulders sink and closed his eyes, happy for the reprieve.\u00a0 At once, it felt like he was drifting to sleep.<\/p>\n

Though the pain had been dulled, he still felt the powerful thrum of the darkness as it worked through his veins.\u00a0 He rotated his arms and observed his wrists, prominent black veins before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis relief is only temporary,\u201d he said, dejected.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever this curse truly is, it cannot be wished away by a drink or potion.\u201d\u00a0 He sat in silence for a moment before a new clarity washed over him.\u00a0 \u201cIt can be expelled,\u201d the cleric said.<\/p>\n

Robert arched one eyebrow while the other lowered.\u00a0 As his friend struggled to climb to his feet, he offered a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I healed the Blacklehnian and siphoned his curse, the men who attacked him came after me.\u00a0 All I did was raise my hand to placate them and a\u2026 a darkness, like a fireball made of smoke\u2026 It flung from my hand.\u00a0 Maybe all I have to do is release this energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The paladin held out his hands and shook his head at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long night,\u201d Conrad protested.\u00a0 \u201cBut if this is possible, all I would have to do is find a safe place and let go of this darkness.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced about the kitchen \u2013 through the windows, behind the barrels, out the door \u2013 until his vision settled on the small metal panel on the far side of the room. \u00a0\u201cNo one\u2019s used this kitchen in some time, correct?\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t turn to see his silent companion\u2019s response.\u00a0 Conrad moved forward and pulled down on the affixed handle.\u00a0 A creak echoed into the room and through the furnace.\u00a0 \u201cThis\u2019ll do,\u201d the cleric said.<\/p>\n

He stepped back and wiped his brow with his forearm before extending his arm toward the furnace.\u00a0 Like nails tumbling through his muscles, he felt the darkness surging through him.\u00a0 A crackle echoed in the room, like the sky before a booming thunder.\u00a0 The darkness \u2013 a ball of black, smoky plasma \u2013 shot forth, and in that instant, Conrad felt relief.<\/p>\n

Though his pain subsided, his fear would not dissipate, for the ebon projectile did not obey his command.\u00a0 Before it reached the furnace, it spun about in a narrow arc.\u00a0 Neither of the men had enough time to react before the dark magic collided into Robert.\u00a0 A powerful black aura flashed out for a moment as the paladin was struck and heaved backward through the open door.<\/p>\n

With wide eyes and renewed energy, Conrad ran to his friend\u2019s side.\u00a0 Robert was still conscious, but he was unable to focus on anything.\u00a0 He blinked away his confusion and looked to the cleric.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Robert asked.<\/p>\n

Conrad covered his mouth in shock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I hope you enjoyed the first part of\u00a0Blessings and Curses\u00a0(and I hope you’re enjoying\u00a0The Fall). \u00a0We saw last week that Conrad isn’t faring so well since his encounter with the Blacklehnian. \u00a0It’s not altogether as bad as that hulking man is faring though. \u00a0And since only he knows of the curse he spoke of, it’s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[145,146],"tags":[990,991,184,994,1000,341,999],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Tellest_WebHeader-x2-e1427024822542.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-Gh","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2621"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2621"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2622,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2621\/revisions\/2622"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}