The Slayer by James Alderdice

Author:James Alderdice [Alderdice, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lost Realms Press
Published: 2017-10-07T23:00:00+00:00

***

The Varangian’s went out toward the gardens. Multitudes of people followed, near the entire serving household of the palace. Alexious and Euphrosyne were seated upon silken divans high above, prime spots to watch while the others crowded about in a wide circle, just behind the tall Varangian’s. Murzuphlus however was nowhere to be seen.

An ox-hide was staked out on the ground, a peg driven into each outstretched leg. The spot designated was carefully considered as being a point in the gardens where paths met and crossed each other. An odd statue with the heads of three women combined stood near overgrown with ivy; few would have noticed the offerings of nuts and cakes at her feet.

“I don’t understand it, but Heimdal said it was good sport,” said Alexious again.

“Your sport ruins our plans. If he dies what are we to do about the relic? It must be blamed upon one of the Venetian’s men. Hecate swore to me it must be the Northman,” said Euphrosyne. “She needs a clean yet unbelieving soul. His blood must be spilled upon the altar-while still hot with the fire of combat.”

“Why this man?”

“Hecate wills it. That is enough for any of us to know.”

Alexious shivered at the mention of the goddess of darkness. “Should I stop the duel then?”

“No fool, it’s too late. Your walking wine bags would rebel at the thought of their precious honor of Thule being broken. We all make mistakes. You allowed the dog Heimdal to sway you, while I allowed Murzuphlus to let his jealousies thwart the greater design.”

“It’s not my fault,” whined Alexious. “Haven’t I done all you asked of me priestess?”

“Hecate accepts no excuses.”

The mention of Hecate, the dread goddess of night, cowed Alexious. “Tell her, I serve…I serve.”

“Pray now that the Northman defeats your favorite warrior or the goddess will be angered. You’ll be rewarded with burnings and taste the flame’s embrace.”

Alexious gazed at the stretched ox-hide and prayed to every god he knew that he would not have to meet the one that he served.

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