Chapter 414: An unusual request
Darkness reigned. Night came at the city below but not in silence. The winds howled through the many branches. Drops of rain reached the leaves, bursting open upon impact, creating a watery mist that impaired the vision.
Weather, like the change of day and night, wasn’t reliable. It could change on a whim. Whose whim wasn’t clear but the Wrixians did shut themselves inside, praying to the Old One. Even the noise of nature couldn’t drown the hymns resonating through the city.
Hex moved through the empty alleys, hooded under his robe and hidden inside the Veil of Death. A bit of overkill perhaps. Surely, no one would be interested in peeping through their windows in such weather. Yet, he didn’t disperse his cover. Precautions were never enough and secrecy provided a tangible power over others. If nothing else, he had learned at least that much from his experience against the Divine Lord and the Dawnbringers.
Listening to the city sing as one, he marveled at the wonders faith could achieve. Their blind belief that the Old One could protect them from the world itself, emitted a purity and calmness he seldom experienced.
It was strange. It truly was. He didn’t trust the Old One. Nor did he believe the Taboo existence cared for the people worshiping Him. But the intention of the one believed in didn’t impact the effect belief had over the believers.
’They are people. Or creatures. Living beings who care about their lives and those of their beloved ones.’ Despite his musings over the Wrixians he never met, his steps never faltered. Soon, he left the city behind him, reducing the songs to a distant buzz.
It took him some time to reach his target.
’This is it,’ he thought as he inspected the multi-storied building in front of him. It was as desolate as it had been during his first visit. The old board with The Oldest Store swung in the wind, banging against the frame.
Ensuring no one had followed him, he entered the store. As soon as he placed his foot inside, he arrived inside his customized space. Shelves appeared at the front wall. The sound of rain, wind, and whatnot disappeared abruptly, almost as if an illusion had burst open.