Darkblade Assassin: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Hero of Darkness Book 1) by Andy Peloquin

Author:Andy Peloquin [Peloquin, Andy]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Andy Peloquin Books
Published: 2018-05-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Cambionari?" The Hunter echoed the unfamiliar name. Soulhunger's protests grew strident, and the pounding in his head rose to a painful crescendo. It seemed the dagger had heard it before, though the Hunter had no memory of it.

"Yes," said Reverentus, his voice somber. "You have not heard of us, but we are the only reason that the world as we know it still exists. We have killed creatures of nightmares, slain thousands of hellspawn, and hunted down Bucelarii. We have stopped the demons from returning to this world time and again."

That explained Soulhunger's anger at the presence of the priest. Something about Reverentus' words made the Hunter curious.

"Wait," he asked, disbelief filling his voice, "demons returning to the world? You speak madness, Priest!"

"You don't believe me?"

The Hunter snorted. "Demons are creatures of legend, of myth. They were sent back to the hells during the War of Gods."

"Can you truly believe that just because the demons were cast out by the gods of Einan, they would stay away forever? They terrorized this planet, feeding on the flesh of humans. They ruled this world under the Destroyer. Is it so hard to believe that they would do anything to rule once more?"

The Hunter nodded, acknowledging the priest's words. "But if they were cast out, is it even possible for them to return?"

"It is," said the priest, shuddering, "and the things they would do to achieve it will make your skin crawl and your blood freeze. I have seen what they do…" He trailed off, the memory of horrors reflected in his eyes. When he spoke again, his words held a chill.

"The creatures of the hells have long sought a way back to Einan, and there have been times when they very nearly succeeded. We have managed to block their passage to the world, but still they try."

"You say we, Priest, but aren't you a bit old to be protecting anything?"

"There are many of us who have been given the burden of this secret task, including Brother Securus." The old man gave the Hunter a meaningful look.

"The priest I killed," the Hunter said, understanding dawning. "He was one of you. He was Cambionari."

"Aye," Reverentus replied.

"The rapist?" sneered the Hunter. "A Beggar Priest?"

"Rapist?" Father Reverentus asked, anger flaring in his eyes. "Is that what they told you when they hired you?" At the Hunter's nod, the cleric shook his head in disbelief. "Can you truly believe that a priest of the Beggar God is capable of doing something so horrible?"

"I've seen priests do far worse than raping the daughter of a nobleman," the Hunter said, his voice harsh. Memories of watching priests lie with whores, girly-boys, and children twisted his stomach. "I know what priests are capable of."

"I'm certain you have seen horrible things," the priest replied, snarling, "but no doubt you've done things far worse as well." The two men locked eyes, and the Hunter saw genuine outrage written in the old priest's expression.

"I tell you this," Father Reverentus said, his voice solemn, "Brother Securus was innocent of any crime.

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