FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ramos announced herself with a few firm taps on the heavy, open door, peeking into the room with her one good eye to see if her mother was in. The Fioan’s ears perked up when she spotted the white-furred Agrisian by the fireplace, tending to her kettle. She was wearing her blindfold, but her cowl was absent, leaving her long brown hair to drape around the shoulders of her crimson robes.

“Hi mom!” The tiger called, and the wolf’s ear twitched in her direction.

“Good afternoon, dear.” Elsisi replied, her tone formal, but pleasant. “Do come in.”

Leaving the door ajar behind her, Ramos bounded up to her mother and wrapped her arms around the much taller woman’s waist. Elsisi returned the embrace, leaning in with her arms around Ramos’ shoulders.

“Brought the stuff you wanted.” Ramos said, pulling away and lifting the bag on her shoulder.

“Thank you, dear.” Elsisi said, then gestured to one side. “On the table there is fine. Have a seat.” She took the kettle off the heat, carefully pouring it into an ornately decorated teapot. “How are you and your sister doing? And when is she coming to visit her poor lonely mother? It’s been an age.”

“It’s hardly been a month.” Ramos said with a laugh, knowing her mother’s sense of humor. “But I’ll tell her you miss her. She’s been pretty busy since word got out she made the gun Colt used. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“Indeed.” Elsisi said, setting the table for tea. “She did always dream of ‘making it big’, though, so I imagine it’s not entirely unwelcome.” There was a subtle hint of pride in her voice.

“Yeah, but she’s learning the hard way it’s a double-edged sword.” Ramos grinned as her mother filled their cups. “Thank you.”

“Some time off might do her good, then.” Elsisi concluded, taking her seat. Her tone became more formal as she continued. “Speaking of work.” She pulled a paper from the shelf beside her, placing it in front of Ramos. “There are Risen gathering near the eastern mountains.”

“Again?” The tiger’s ears folded back as she opened the document and began reading the details. “I just cleared that horde a few weeks ago.”

“Yes.” Elsisi acknowledged, sharing her daughter’s concern. “It hasn’t reached such a point yet, but it’s not a good sign. That is why you’re going to thoroughly investigate the area this time, and hopefully find whatever seems to be drawing them.”

***

Far out in the wilderness, low to the ground and with the sun at her back, Ramos scanned across the open fields around her. The grass here wasn’t terribly tall, and it thinned out considerably as the fields transitioned into the mountains. This made it rather easy to spot any of the scattered Risen at great distance, though a greater challenge to sneak up on them. Lucky for her, that bar was quite low even on bad days.

She spent awhile watching them shuffle around, until it became clear they were converging on a spot hidden in the tree cover. That would be a bit more dangerous to navigate. She prayed the Risen were as sparse there as in the field.

She set off, putting her feline talents to work. Stalking low to the ground, closing distance with smooth, deliberate movement until her target was just barely out of reach. With a quick lunge, she’d thrust her scythe forward. It took only a firm touch with the enchanted weapon, and the forced bond was broken. No longer trapped in their own remains, she gathered the spirits in her soulstone with great reverence. A small token was left at each spot, an enchanted coin to help the reclamation crew find the bodies.

Hours passed as she toiled at her task, the sun cresting its peak and dropping down again, until all she could see were the rolling waves of grass in the afternoon sun. Satisfied, she was just about ready to move into the trees. All that was left was to alert the crew that it was safe to move in. She took a small metal tube from her belt, raised it to her lips, and blew hard for a few seconds. She didn’t hear any sound, but knew they would. With that done, she made for the trees.

Few of the Risen had made it this far, the terrain forcing them on a narrower path. Ramos didn’t have to look very hard by the time she collected the last soul. Though heavily overgrown, there was a distinct remnant of trail, going deeper into the trees and up the mountain. Even when new, the winding of the path would have been difficult to follow. By design, she had no doubt.

After an hour or so of careful navigation, Ramos found the trail taking her past a small opening in the rocky face; a natural-looking cave entrance. Being the first real feature of note she’d found, and little of interest beyond it, it seemed worth exploring. With a small, collapsible lantern lighting her way, Ramos took a few cautious steps into the narrow tunnel.

There was just enough room to shuffle forward, if she kept her body turned, and the walls were much smoother than she’d expect from a natural formation. They were still rough enough to be wary of hurting herself, however. After a gradual curve, the tunnel began to widen, then the walls were suddenly gone. The walls of the tunnel transitioned into the walls of what Ramos assumed was a large cavern. She couldn’t see anything within her lantern’s light except the ground. Adjusting the lantern, she focused its light into a stronger narrow beam with greater reach.

Ramos could now see to the walls on either side, and nearly the far end of the chamber. Compared to the tunnel, this seemed a completely natural formation. Until her light wandered over the smooth surface of a stone pillar. Then another. And another. Five pillars in all, as she passed the light across one wall, five more standing opposite as the light came back toward her.

Looking upward, there was a gigantic slab resting atop them, creating a closed space within the cavern. Looking down, each pillar had a large metal brazier at its base. The walls between the pillars looked smooth and flat, connecting them at the sides as though the entire thing had been cut directly from the stone of the cave. Crudely drawn figures took up the entire space between the pillars. Like a child’s drawing of a monster, their angry faces glared down. Simple as it all seemed, it raised her hackles nonetheless.

As Ramos approached the structure, her foot found the edge of a raised pad, nearly tripping her. She knelt down to inspect it, running her fingers lightly over its surface. The stone was smooth like glass beneath the thick layer of dust. It seemed otherwise undisturbed all the way to the far wall, where she was certain she could make out the shape of a large door.

No sooner had she stepped onto the raised surface, than fires burst to life in the braziers, stopping her immediately. She waited, using the new light to take in what she could. All the surfaces were bare, except what had seemed like a door in the dark, which turned out to be some kind of ornate wall hanging. She wouldn’t have time to get closer.

A series of thunderous sounds shook the ground, cracking the walls between the pillars. With each impact, dust filled the still air and shards of stone flew out from the growing fractures. Finally, one of the walls exploded as a gigantic fist punched through. The rest followed quickly, demolishing the stone in their way as the towering Risen escaped their tombs. Reckless as she might sometimes be, so many, of a size she’d never seen, were well beyond her ability, and she knew it. When they all fixed a gaze on her and began lumbering forward, there was only one thing to do; run.

She bolted for the tunnel, stopping short to avoid hurting herself. She stole a glance back as she slipped in, and paused. They stood in place, as if bound to the structure. Still, there was nothing else to do here, and it was likely getting dark. She needed to get word back to the church. Hopefully her mother would be able to come, as Ramos couldn’t think of anyone more capable in this situation.

***

“The fires are still lit.” Ramos said, the cavern coming into view as she lead her mother through the narrow passage. She took point as they entered the chamber, cautiously approaching the structure. She stopped short of the raised slab, peeking further in. “The Risen have gone back into the walls. It looks like they’re sleeping.”

“I see the structure, but nothing else.” Elsisi spoke quietly, raising her own full-size lantern. “There is indeed an odd energy here, however.” The blind wolf scanned the space as though she still had eyes. “And there is someone on the other side of that door.” She made for the far wall, Ramos trailing behind her until the tiger saw the Risen begin to stir.

“Mom wait! They’re moving!” Ramos warned, reaching out. Both women stood at the edge of the slab a moment, before Elsisi turned to her daughter and spoke in a gentle but confident tone.

“There is nothing, dear.” The way the tails of her cowl tightly framed her face seemed to amplify the air of authority around her. It was clear the wolf was not dismissing her daughter’s concern, but the tiger’s ears fell flat regardless.

Ramos watched as her mother carried on to the far wall. The Risen paid her no mind as she passed between them. Their attention lay solely on Ramos, again moving only to block her path. She looked from the giants to her mother and back. Drawing a deep breath, she closed her eyes, choosing trust over fear. She made a deliberate effort to concentrate, focusing on her mother. Though it was a poorly-developed ability, she had still been taught to see the essence of life, like the hunters of the church. Though she could only conjure a whisper of it, she could still make out the wolf’s spirit. She followed it like a dim beacon in the darkness of her mind’s vision. She thanked her fortune for the amplifying power of the lanterns.

Ramos heard the Risen moving around her as she pressed forward, their footfalls and shouting uncomfortably close. She braced herself for impact, but did not stop. Did not take her mind off the light before her. As she neared, Ramos raised her hand, reaching out. A chill sensation tingled in her spine, still anticipating attack. It never came.

The feeling of soft fabric brushed against her fingertips, and she desperately grabbed onto it. Opening her eyes, Ramos saw her mother’s face, lit by the soft light of her lantern, looking down at her curiously. She turned to look back, but saw only darkness. She swept a focused light over the structure behind them to find… nothing.

“They’re gone…” Ramos said, frowning at the revelation. Not even the rubble remained. She turned again to look at the wall, and indeed where she had seen the decoration before, there was now a very large door. All around it she saw painting, far more detailed and gruesome than the figures from before.

“Illusion of some sort, most likely.” Elsisi concluded, still examining the door. “It doesn’t work on true perception. I’d suggest searching for a rune pattern nearby, it will be hidden well.”

“Yeah…” Ramos said absently, taking in the imagery. Words failed her, but it was obvious that no good things happened in this place. “There’s uh… art on the wall. It’s not… it’s not a promising sign…”

“I’d expect not.” Elsisi replied casually. “Though I doubt it’s a concern for now. Find the runes, I should be finished with the door by then.”

“Right.” Ramos began searching, sticking her face into any little spaces she thought she might find something. There weren’t actually that many, she learned, as the magical inscription turned up rather quick. Hidden behind one of the braziers, it looked rough and hasty in its application, the paint dry and flaky. The pattern was unlike any familiar to her, though it was admittedly a short list. She decided to note down what she could, before brushing the whole thing away. That done, she returned to her mother.

“The door is safe, but still locked.” Elsisi explained. “You have your tools, yes?”

“Never leave home without ‘em.” Ramos affirmed with a little pride. She made short work of the simple lock. The only difficulty it presented was being so old that she’d never worked on its kind before. With a chunky clunk that echoed in the cavern, the path was no longer blocked.

Theoretically.

_ _The door itself was still of a formidable weight, requiring the strength of both women to push it inward. The hinges squealed with every burst of effort, the door inching along each time. It took a few minutes to fully open, and the dust they had disturbed clouded the light of their lanterns.

Cautiously they entered, the smaller room taking the light rather well. The trappings within suggested some kind of meeting or planning space. The dust was thicker here than outside. Mortal remains were scattered all about the floor.

Elsisi took the lead, but after a few steps she stopped, blocking Ramos’ movement as well. Her attention was fixed on a specific set of remains that did not seem to belong. Long baggy robes obscured the body, where the others were exposed in expected places. The wolf’s demeanor changed, becoming tense and on edge.

“[The Maw finally closes…]” A despairing voice seemed to echo to itself. “[My failure is complete.]”

“You cannot hide from me.” Elsisi spoke firmly, prompting Ramos to look around.

“[Of course, huntmaster.]” The voice quietly acknowledged. “[I am ready to face my end.]”

“And why would I do that?” The wolf was skeptical, probing.

“[Why else would He send His champion?]” The voice reasoned.

“What’s happening?” Ramos asked, looking around. She could only hear her mother speaking. “Who are you-” The wolf gently shushed her, placing a hand on the tiger’s shoulder to reassure her.

“We come of our own will. To help, if needed.” Elsisi offered with caution.

“[...I am beyond help now. Send me to my punishment, madam hunter.]”

“We have more hope and grace than we know, Child.” Elsisi spoke in the compassionate tone of the Church, her words hanging in the moment of silence that followed.

Ramos tried focusing as she had before, but just as the faintest glow of life began to show, the figure shifted and broke her concentration. Their head lifted from the stone floor, pulling up a blanket of dust so thick it tore like fabric.

“[...Elsi?]”

“...Who are you?” Elsisi’s voice became gentle and curious.

“[...Little Elsi?]” The figure questioned in disbelief. “[...Am I dreaming?]”

“You are not.” The wolf replied before pressing again. “Who are you?”

The figure slowly pushed itself up, facing away as they came to rest in a sitting position. Ramos readied herself for a fight, but her mother gestured to stand down.

“[Is there truly nothing left of me?]” The figure lamented.

“Do I know you?” Elsisi asked.

“[You did…]” The figure rose to their feet, their movements sluggish and forced, as though struggling. They turned to face the wolf, keeping their head low. The front of their robes were still clean, protected from the dust as they lie. Crimson, trimmed in gold, though it looked almost black in the near-darkness. The figure held their hands together within the robe’s sleeves, and a large hood obscured their face. But it was the pendant around their neck that caught the wolf’s attention more than anything. An intense aura of despair emanated from them. “[...once.]”

“Father… Father Seniit?” Elsisi stepped forward, the figure shrinking away from her.

“Who-” Ramos began to ask, but was cut off.

“An elder of the priesthood,” Elsisi answered, “he abruptly vanished when I was still very young.”

“[I… I fled. I could not face Him.” The figure explained. “[My shame was too great.]”

“Father, how are you here?” Elsisi inquired, signaling Ramos to carefully investigate the area, without disturbing anything. “And what is this place?”

“[A necromancer’s den, long abandoned when I found it. I came searching for-]” He stopped himself suddenly. “[Answers. I found nothing. It was the last lead I had…]”

“For what?” Elsisi asked, increasingly skeptical. “Your sect doesn’t handle field work. What were you doing?”

“[I…]”

“Father, it has been nearly two centuries…” Elsisi’s patience wore thin, and though she did not raise her voice, her words became more forceful. “How. Are. You. _ Here?” _ The priest did not answer, instead turning away from her. The wolf’s ears folded back against her head, her tone more demanding. “Father… show me your face.”

“[...I cannot.]” He failed to mask the fear in his voice.

“Why not?” Elsisi said, again demanding as she took another step forward.

“[I… I can’t.]” Seniit pulled away from her approach, but did not cower or flee, even as the wolf reached for his hood. “[You don’t understand…]”

With a slow and deliberate motion, almost ceremonial, Elsisi lifted the hood and pushed it back. The Agrisian man they found beneath was no more than his bones. The blindfold loosely wrapped around his skull bore black stains, what looked to be long-dried tears.

“What happened to you?” Elsisi’s voice was soft, tinged with pity.

“[A curse. I could not break it before…]” he pulled his skeletal hands from the sleeves of his robe, turning them outward as his voice broke, “[…before it… it…]” Elsisi placed a hand on his shoulder for comfort. Seniit composed himself, quickly hiding what he could of his state. “[… ‘it’ does not matter anymore. You are here now. Do what you must.]” He bowed his head and bent forward, as if offering his neck to her.

“Father?” Elsisi said in confusion.

“[I count myself privileged to have you as my destroyer.]”

“What are you talking about?” The wolf seemed almost offended. “Destroy?”

“[I have broken His sacred law. I am an abomination is His sight. This wretched form a mockery of His image.]” The priest’s words were heavy with a quiet, building desperation.

“What absolute foolishness.” Elsisi scowled at him. “And from an elder no less. Is your mind gone, too? I’m not going to destroy you, old man.”

“[You must!]” Seniit grabbed her wrists in a pleading manner, his blindfolded face staring directly into hers. His voice quavered as though on the verge of tears, his desperation becoming overt. “[End me. It is your duty!]”

The sudden movement alarmed Ramos, and she again readied herself. Her mother hadn’t reacted at all, though, and when the wolf spoke calmly, Ramos knew not to interfere. Still, she chose to stay near.

“Father.” Elsisi’s word carried a gentle yet overwhelming compassion. She slowly swapped their grips, holding him gingerly by the wrists and bringing his hands together.

“[Please, Elsi.]” He begged in a weak voice. “[We both know what…]” His words trailed off as the room became unnaturally cold, a powerful presence turning the air heavy. The voice echoed in everyone’s minds as it spoke, and Ramos found she could hear the figure whispering prayers.

“{What you deserve, Child? We know very well.}”

Seniit dropped to his knees only a moment before another figure robed in gold and crimson stepped out from the shadows beside him. The wolf-god Agrisi stood, a reflection of the lost soul before him, more regal and imposing. His covered gaze falling on the priest, a sadness wove its way through his voice as he addressed the poor thing.

“{Father Ab-Ridi Seniit. Favored. Celebrated. A grand shepherd of the flock. And one whom I called friend. It was a great sorrow to me when your voice became silent. Rise, and face me.}” The priest obeyed, but kept his head low. The moment lingered until it became clear he would remain quiet in the presence of his god. “{You would not speak to me?}” Agrisi asked softly, sounding hurt.

“[It would not behoove me to waste your time, My Lord.” Seniit replied without moving. “My deepest regrets and apologies are all I can offer, before you undo your servant.]”

“{Yes.. I shall…}” The deity said, thoughtful and with regret. “[I cannot abide what you have become, Child, nor can I grant forgiveness.]” He reached low, and without touching, lifted the priest’s chin. “[For we do not punish the victim.]”

“[...My Lord? I… don’t understand...]” Seniit said, stunned.

“{You forget me in your despair.}” The wolf-god spoke with compassion rather than scolding. “{Recall your oath, what is most sacred. It is known to you that my justice is not blind.}” He withdrew his hand, looking away as though lost in thought. “{I am pained by your choice to hide from me, friend. Though I understand.}” His covered gaze fell again on the priest. “{But you have committed no crime, and suffered dearly for it. If you insist on judgment, then I sentence you to a peaceful rest.}” The faintest hint of humor danced beneath his words.

“[I…]” The priest struggled to process the revelation, his shoulders falling slack. A long silence followed as the truth sank in. A silence to which they were all, unfortunately, deeply accustomed. When he spoke again, his voice was faltering and frail. “[You are right,]” he said, clasping his hands together and turning to Elsisi, “[I have been such a fool.]”

“Why did you run?” Elsisi asked. “Surely you knew He would not be angry.”

“[I did not fear His anger; I was driven by my own.]” Seniit explained. “[Anger, and shame. I felt I had broken my oath, and worse, betrayed His faith in me. Everyone’s faith. The loss of self consumed me. I desperately sought to cleanse myself before damnation could take hold. When I failed, it took my will with it. It shames me, now, to think of how long I’ve waited, and wallowed.]” His head tipped downward, as if gazing at the floor. “[Crime or not, I hope you can forgive such a… significant lapse in judgment.]”

“You have been hard enough on yourself as it is, Father.” Elsisi consoled him. “As Lord Agrisi said, it is not necessary.”

“[You are too gracious. Thank you.]” He gave a proper bow, composing himself in a manner more befitting an elder of the church. His old self seemed to come back to him, reciting an old phrase of faith, though he awkwardly stopped himself mid-sentence, apologizing.

Ramos quietly approached her mother, whispering in her ear. “There’s no magic here. Nothing. I think it was him.”

“Perhaps it is the curse.” Elsisi considered aloud. “Then again, he did always have a powerful energy about it him.”

“[Pardon?]” The priest said.

“Father Seniit, this is my pupil, Ramos.” Elsisi stepped aside to put the tiger in better light. “It is because of her that we found you.” She explained.

“Nice to meet you, Father.” Ramos offered a smile and a small wave.

“[The pleasure is mine.]” Seniit said with a pleasant tone and a bow. “[You have my thanks, young hunter.]”

“Oh, I’m not a hunter. Mom let’s me do freelance for the church.” Ramos said with an unconscious nod to Elsisi.

“[‘Mom’?]” Seniit looked between them curiously, and the tiger immediately clapped her hand over her mouth.

“Oops.” Ramos said, muffled through her fingers, and shooting a guilty glance up at her mother. Her ears folded flat against her head, but the wolf placed a comforting hand on the tiger’s shoulder.

“It’s fine, father. The elders know.” Elsisi said, a little exasperated.

Seniit looked to Agrisi for any kind of input. He received only a simple nod from the deity, acknowledging with his own. Turning his attention to Ramos, he approached her and held out his hands for her to take.

“[For whatever worth my blessing as an elder may still carry, Child, I join my peers and give it gladly.]” He said gently.

“Thank you, Father.” Ramos accepted graciously.

“[She has a most excellent teacher.]” Seniit added, looking to Elsisi.

“As did I.” The wolf said. “But to the issue; it seems you may have been attracting the Risen, Father. They have been gathering from across the countryside, slowly converging on this place.”

“[No one has been hurt, I hope.]” The priest worried.

“No,” Elsisi assured him, “there are no settlements near enough to be in danger.”

“[And you suspect the curse? Why would it draw them to me? And only now?]” Seniit questioned.

“{The death of one to whom they are bound.}” Agrisi interjected dispassionately.

“A powerful necromancer was recently neutralized.” Elsisi elaborated. “It may be that you were the next nearest thing they could identify as a ‘leader’. Potentially a consequence of your condition, even if unintentional.”

“She’d amassed a large army of Risen,” Ramos added, “and we’ve been recovering them ever since. Shoulda seen the look on her face when the bitch went down.” She concluded, a mixture of smug and annoyed.

“[You slew the woman?]” Seniit sounded surprised.

“Uh, no..” Ramos said with mild embarrassment. “But I was there...”

“There were many of us,” Elsisi said, “and Ramos stood bravely with her comrades, showing courage to rival many a hunter I’ve known. I feel great pride in my daughter.” The wolf wrapped an arm around the tiger’s shoulders, the stated pride clear in her words.

“{As do we all.}” Agrisi added. “{Our time here draws to a close.}”

“[Yes, of course.]” Seniit acknowledged. “[Thank you for your patience, My Lord.]” The deity gave him a small nod.

“{How would you like to proceed?}”

“[I’m sorry, My Lord?]”

“[You forget me again, Child.]” Agrisi said, a subtle surprise in his tone. “{A single road harbors two journeys. You are more than welcome to walk with me, it is your right. But much time has been stolen from you, Friend, should you wish to walk the other way for a while yet.}”

“[I could live again?]” The priest said, clearly tempted. The wolf-god nodded.

“You could do much good, Father.” Elsisi encouraged him, respecting the moment of quiet contemplation that followed.

“[You have done more good without me than I could ever hope to catch up to, little-]” He stopped himself, a flash of clarity striking as he regarded the woman before him. “[No. No, you’re all grown up now. For quite some time, Madam Hunter.]” He said, an air of melancholy falling on him as he paused. “[The world has moved on, no place for an old fool now. I… shall remain in the past. Though no longer a mystery, thanks to you.]” He said to both women.

“I will still miss you, Father.” Elsisi said. “But I will rest easier, knowing.”

“[Call to me at the Festival of Waking.]” Seniit offered. “[I would enjoy nothing more than to speak with you, Sister.]” He said with subdued enthusiasm. With slow, delicate motion, he removed the pendant that sat atop his robes and placed it in the wolf’s hands. Wrapping her fingers around the item, he held her hands in his own. “[I am proud of you as well. Always remember that.]”

“I will, Brother.” Elsisi said as Seniit’s hands slipped away.

“{Stand before me, Friend.}” Agrisi instructed. The priest obeyed, and the deity placed a hand above the man’s head. The elder’s body began to glow, a translucent ghost of his old form taking shape within the robes, enveloping the bones beneath. The physical remains then fell away as the spirit was released, kicking up a cloud of dust as they crumpled to the floor. Agrisi turned and gestured to the shadows. “{This way.}”

Seniit bowed to the women, then began walking into the darkness. He stopped, looking back. “[Sister, place me somewhere in the moonlight, would you?]” He said, smiling and vanishing into the darkness, Agrisi following behind him. Ramos and her mother stood quietly in the dim light of their lanterns, the unnatural chill fading away.

“Did you find anything of note, dear?” Elsisi turned to her daughter.

“Nothing.” Ramos replied. “This place was cleared out a long time ago.”

“We’ll dispatch a crew to clear it anyway.” Elsisi said. The wolf then stood before her daughter, placing a hand on each shoulder. “You’ve done very well today, sweetheart. It bears repeating that I am very proud of you.” She bent down and kissed the tiger on the forehead.

“Thanks.” Ramos said with a bashful smile. “...Mom?”

“Yes, dear?”

“I’m still kinda… confused about what just happened.” Ramos admitted, fidgeting with her hands.

“Help me collect the elder, I’ll explain on the journey home.” Elsisi said warmly.