Pestilence: Rise Of The Pure Undead
Chapter 64: Quideos Audit

More than one month had now passed since David's death, the death hunters were slowly thinning out as each and every one of them failed to replace any other signs of undeath in the area, only the underground and the escaped undead had been present.

Word that the skeleton had escaped into the Elephant Cave Systems soon spread out, the enraged people were appalled that it had been allowed to flee, they feared that it would come back again, resume its senseless massacre.

Together, they put up a sizable bounty on the 'sad faced man', nevermind that no one could clearly identify this undead, and nevermind that no one knew where to look.

Still, deeming it best, Harold, mayor of Throdqdmond added some of his own money to the reward for the undead's head, and had the few people that had been in close contact with the undead give their testimony and rough description.

Quickly enough, the target became just a little bit clearer, a skeleton that could manipulate rot and blighted blood, remains of it indicated that it possessed a rather impressive dentition.

The hunt was on, the reward was already worth some trouble, and it didn't seem like it would stop growing any time soon, the fear and hysteria wasn't going to back down as the shadow of Loimos loomed over the people, even as he didn't plan to come back to there.

Some local adventurers tried taking the bounty on, but only a minority, most simply went back to their routines, the guards remained vigilant however, some of them had fallen in the slaughter, all of a sudden, the job of guard was no longer so attractive.

Tension remained, but everything soon stabilised and a semblance of calm nestled.

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Things were much different far from all the chaos and death, in here, the ceilings were audaciously high, the walls were ornate with various paintings and scriptures, hallways bustling with activity as men and women dressed formally moved around swiftly, but without rushing, carrying cloches filled with steaming food, brooms or just messages.

There was even a juggler waiting outside tall double doors, standing at the front of a line of people of all shapes, sizes and dressed drastically different from one another, some gaudily, others in complete contrast to the magnificent and clean interiors, while some actually seemed like they belonged.

However, they all had to wait in line, politely waiting behind the ones that had arrived before them, any sort of harsh attitude could be met with severe punishment, although the more lavish in the line were obviously displeased with having to wait behind random, filthy peasants and awful performers, especially considering who they were waiting to meet with.

Not that whoever was behind those doors was lesser than any of them, they just couldn't bear having to give in to the eccentricities.

'Even the king of Starkefolten didn't do this sort of thing' one thought as he was getting seriously tired of having to smell the peasant standing right in front of him.

He kept it in, he couldn't afford to offend the king of Tamaris, even if he was a mere roitelet, nothing more than a bonafide merchant wearing a crown and playing rulers.

Tamaris may be small and rather pathetic when compared to the others, but it was situated strategically, surrounded by mountains, gigantic lakes and other natural hazards, it couldn't be invaded easily, and also, whilst their military wasn't developed, their warriors were good enough to be hired as mercenaries.

Despite all of this, no one could really take this place seriously, the other nations were simply that much more mighty and large.

The sound of someone storming through the serene atmosphere of the palace rang out from deep within the halls, everyone turned to look at who was arriving, the guards, who had been out of sight until now emerged from their spots between pillars, their copper-coloured armours, their helms leaving not much ground for a weak spot, all of them carrying halberds.

This casually reminded everyone that one transgression too big and their skull would be forced to divide.

Emerging within everyone's sight was a man dressed in clerical robes, looking frankly dishevelled and manic, a young servant was moving alongside him, frantically trying to tell him something, probably warning him not to cause a fuss or to rush through the halls like this.

Everyone expected this man to be taken away, or perhaps, even cleaved right here and there, but instead, the guards took one look at him and backed off, returning to their posts without any grumble or hesitation.

"Sir! Please, his majesty is busy with auditions today-" the servant's plea fell on deaf ears, the man was actually rather handsome, with his unusual white hair, he would have been a head turner if he did not look insane and in dire need of sleep.

Without even bothering to respond, he pushed the double doors open, with relative ease, and walked up into the throne room, passing by the person that been in audition as they were making their way back.

The servant bowed forward, nearly out of breath, he still spoke up:

"Prophet Quideos Audit wishes for an audience with his majesty, Agilulf Wanneck, king of Tamaris!"

"Quideos, how many times have you unlawfully stepped into my castle by now?" the king didn't put up any pretences as some guards quickly shut the doors to the throne room.

"This is the fifteenth time! Listen my lord, there is no time, I have had the most worrying visions lately!" Quideos much in the manner his appearance would make one expect, swinging his arms around madly and contorting his body.

"Everyone else has just laughed in my face, they refuse to believe the truth!" he suddenly spoke in a low tone, squinting his eyes.

The king sighed and shook his head, Quideos Audit was a great prophet and seer, but he had completely gone off the rails in recent years, there was little doubt that his visions still carried weight, however, his mad rants and other hallucinations have made him much less trustworthy than he used to be.

"What is the matter? What have you foreseen?" he was still very much willing to hear him out though.

Quideos took in a deep breath, reeling his body and head back exaggeratedly before straightening his back and beginning to speak seriously.

'Terrific' the servant was thoroughly freaked out, this guy didn't look like a bumbling madman right now, he appeared truly insane.

"Trees! Two trees! Heroes from times immemorial, two of which escaped from the clutches of death to fight once more! The dead rising! Four riders, gravelords, an old crown and a betrayal! Watching from high above- Aaaah!" he tightened his fist hard enough to make himself bleed.

"I saw you die as well my lord! Your heart ripped out of your chest-"

"Enough! Take a breathing Quideos, you have my interest"