361 Totem (1/2)

Suddenly Nix figured out his reason for being there. ”You want me to replace your Totem creature?”

Zinu nodded from her knees. ”You're a salamander, although it is fire-based, we would be able to adapt to those changes over time.”

Nix would have laughed had he not seen the anguish in the old man's eyes. ”I'm sorry Zinu, I can't sit around on a post all day.”

Zinu shook her head in denial. ”I know that Nix, our Ecclesia wandered quite a bit, only coming back once a month.”

Nix shook his head while helping the old man back to his feet. ”Sorry, I carry too many expectations already.”

”We aren't leeches, Nix” Zinu slowly stood up. ”The benefits aren't one way. It's symbiotic in nature; our Ecclesia only weakened because it was at the end of its life cycle.”

”No.”

The old man's dark eyes pleaded with him. ”Perhaps a temporary arrangement until we can find a suitable replacement?”

”Sorry. My answer is no.” Nix kept his face free of expression, several of the Krayven clansmen had gathered around.

”No.” Zinu shook her head and grabbed one of Nix's hands. ”I am sorry. This was an unreasonable request; please forget my words and remain our friend.”

Nix nodded. ”Of course.”

”I will bring you back.” Zinu pulled him toward their horses, stopping when Nix shook his hand free.

”No need.”

[Summons: Shadow Daiken]

Nix had to bite his lip to keep the smile off his face. It was his first time summoning the mount. It was black as coal with smooth, scaled skin. It bore a slight resemblance to a drake, but its wings were more sturdy, and its body seemed wide and flat.

Nix unsummoned Nightmare and climbed onto the comfortable looking saddle that his Daiken wore. Without speaking further, he shot into the air.

”Holy crap.” Nix patted the smooth skin of the Shadow Daiken, it gained altitude effortlessly and accelerated eastward toward Free Trader City.

*****************

Yarl chased down the last straggler and tapped it on its hindquarters to encourage it back toward the safety of the herd. Although the mountain goats were equipped to defend against predators, there were a few larger hunters that required the strength of numbers to deter them.

The thin boy chewed on the last bit of jerky from his bag while watching over his flock. Darkness had fallen over the foothills, and so he noticed the disturbance very quickly.

A ball of orange and red flames floated towards him; it moved in large lazy circles. The shepherd hesitated for a moment and then abandoned his goats. The safety of the clan always came first.

Yaro sprinted over the uneven trail towards camp. They kept a small lookout post on the outskirts of the camp. Although the post was unmanned in times of peace, there was a battle horn there.

The post illuminated just when he arrived, causing the boy to duck reflexively when the flames passed over his head. He felt the heat of the fire, warming him as he grabbed the horn and sounded the alarm.

Across the camp, a young woman rolled quickly from her bed of furs. She jumped into her robe and grabbed her staff. She ignored the bucket of reddish clay next to the tent flap and ran outside.

Several of her clansmen had already armed themselves and were carrying torches, Zinu scanned the camp carefully, there didn't seem to be any fighting. Her sharp eyes picked out the glow next to the sacred ground. ”The Totem! Our Totem is under attack!”

The clan's cleric was the first to arrive; her bare feet skidded to a stop on the red clay, her mouth dropped open in surprise. ”Its... Beautiful.”

When Guyanar arrived a few minutes later, the area outside of the totem ring was crowded, although none dare approach too close. The old man's face creased in a shocked smile.

Zinu grabbed his arm when he continued to walk toward the Totem. ”Stop, Papa... W-What is it?”

”I have to activate the Totem.” Guyanar ignored his granddaughter and approached the carved post. He removed his belt knife and made a shallow cut on each palm before placing them on either side of the Totem. His entire body glowed red for a moment before he released his hands and staggered backward.

Zinu helped the old man to his feet, retreating before the heat of the great bird. ”What is it?”

Guyanar let his granddaughter lead him to the edge of the large circle. ”Keep your distance; no one goes inside the ring anymore.”

By morning, the Totem had changed drastically. Wings emerged halfway up its length, and the head of a predatory bird could be seen at the top. The ground inside the ring had turned to liquid sometime before morning. It bubbled slowly like a gigantic pot of red stew.

Yaro, the shepherd boy, remained awake, although it long passed the point where he should have rested after a night spent protecting the flock. For the first time in months, he felt strong and warm. His young face showed amazement when he examined the protections that were placed on him.

[Protection of the Phoenix]

+ 200 to Attack.

+ 300 to Flame Resistance.

[Winged Avenger]

+ 150 to all Stats.

Nightvision

[Phoenix Nest]

In the event of your death,

you will respawn at the

base of the Phoenix totem.

He glanced up to see Zinu watching him; his face turned red immediately. The cleric's pale skin and light brown hair weren't covered in red clay. ”Where did it come from, Zinu?”

Zinu shrugged slightly, her eyes staring at the majestic bird. Its feathers were a combination of red and orange, the flames surrounding it constantly flickered while distorting the air. ”I don't even know what a Phoenix is.”