Chapter 60: Flames
Chapter 60: Flames
In the darkness, the gate of the fortified camp swung open. Even for a band of desert robbers who moved like the wind, a foothold was necessary in this desert to escape the scorching daylight and the bone-chilling nights.
Thus, a secluded camp, possessing a hidden water source, came into being.
It was nestled within the embrace of several earthen mounds. From the outside, nothing seemed amiss. But if one were to ascend to the top of the mounds, they would discover a hidden world within: a sprawling wooden stockade.
At this moment, the bandits left on guard duty stared in astonishment as their companions, who had set out full of arrogance, boasting of returning with a whole cartload of gold and silver, now poured through the main gate like dogs that had lost their homes, their faces filled with terror.
"What on earth happened, my brothers!"
"Where are the others? Why are only you back?"
"We were defeated! Those terrifying Frankish barbarians despicably used a terrible magic that uses blood as a medium! They are incarnations of demons!"
Someone, still shaken, stammered, "We shouldn’t have provoked those demons! There were only seven of them, yet they cut down our warriors as if chopping vegetables, sending them fleeing in disarray!"
"By the Holy Fire, I beg you to burn away the evil curse that has tainted us!" Someone, having just rushed through the camp gate, prostrated himself on the ground, piously praying to the Holy Fire altar enshrined in the center of the camp.
Abd watched this scene, his face dark, the rage and anxiety within him almost consuming him entirely. His expression grim, Abd said, "Have everyone prepare their defenses! Barto, take some men and prepare the offerings needed for the ’Great Ritual.’ I am going to perform the Great Holy Fire Ritual!"