Chapter 231: The God of Hunger, Ferderica (2)
“What’s going on here?”
“Did something happen?”
The peaceful night in the capital was suddenly pierced by commotion. Citizens returning home paused, ears catching the tension in the air. They gathered, curiosity drawing them to the street where Ketal now faced a group of ragged strangers, their leader pointing a sword of holy light at him.
Those who witnessed the scene—Ketal standing tall, and the mysterious woman wielding a blade formed from sacred power—felt an instinctive sense of dread. Something was happening that should never occur within the city’s walls. An act of violence, so raw and primal, was about to take place under the watchful eyes of the gods and the king alike.
Some people quickly fled the scene, unwilling to be drawn into danger. Others, braver or more foolish, ducked behind walls and carts, peering out to watch what would unfold. Even in a city that had seen countless miracles and disasters, this sight was something new.
Ketal, meanwhile, was unruffled.
“Ferderica?” he murmured to himself, the name sounding familiar. He thought back, searching his memories. It came to him suddenly, a conversation with Aquaz during their journey to the coastal city, when they had been preparing to face the ape monsters from the Deep Sea. Aquaz had spoken then about the various religious orders, some wielding holy power in ways unlike any others.
Ferderica’s name had come up—an obscure, yet unsettling cult devoted to the God of Hunger.
So these are Ferderica’s followers, Ketal realized, eyes narrowing in interest.
Riltara’s voice broke the silence, quiet but unwavering. “We have tracked you by divine revelation, Ketal.”
They had followed the will of their god, tracing Ketal’s steps for weeks. From the Denian Kingdom, to the holy land of Kalosia, to the seaside cities and the City of Merfolk, they had hunted for the one marked by prophecy. And now, finally, they had cornered him back in Denian, in the heart of civilization.
Riltara gave a slight, grim smile. “You’ve done well to evade the gaze of our god.”