Page 10 of The Anointed's Paladin

It felt strange, calling her my mother, but she had called me “my child.” Hers. Family.

“I promise I’ll come back, all right? It just might be a little while.”

I blew them a kiss and fluttered my wings, my heart pounding as I flew up and out. Towards my freedom. I still felt a guilty twist in my stomach as I left the grove behind me.

5

The third offer

Talon

Iblinked, opening my eyes to the harsh light. This…was not where I fell asleep. I stood up from the floor with my muscles tensed, looking around. The room was large, spacious, and filled with golden light. The furniture was ornately carved, though strangely sparse in the massive room—just a rug, table, and chairs by the corner window.

I walked forward and, for the first time, noticed a man standing by the window. He peered outside, his hands clasped behind his back. There was something odd about him…was he glowing?

“Hello?” I said. Shit. I didn’t think people would take kindly to finding an enferni show up in their room. My next question froze on my lips as he turned to face me. He had a brown beard and glowing eyes, fully golden. His features seemed to shift slightly—nose, skin never quite settling on one shape—but it was clear who he was.

I sank to my knees. It seemed foolish not to show respect to a God, even Lydes.

Damn. Why was I here? My heart started pounding in my chest. Had he summoned me? He gazed down at me, eyebrows knitted together, a small frown on his face. I had a couple of guesses why,and none of them were good. I wiped my palms on my clothes. Lydes wasn’t a fan of hellspawn. Enferni like myself had avoided his ire, but many other races from hell were labelled abominations.

“We have a problem,” he said, and I tensed, waiting for a lecture. It was bad enough my oath was broken to begin with, but now I was going to have to talk to a God about it? “Something has started in the heart of Sajenia. We Gods are not allowed to interfere directly. So, we are selecting champions.”

“Oh.”

His eyes dropped from mine, a slight sneer on his lips. He examined his hand. I still didn’t know why I was here.

He folded his arms in front of him. “And so, I have picked…you.”

“Me?” I asked. “Not one of your own Paladins?”

He sniffed. “Correct. My choice is not…conventional. But I am sure you are the best option for carrying out my quest.”

I wiped my hands on my bed clothes again. This must be some crazy dream.

“The others are selecting their champions now.” He glanced out the window again. “Laying out their conditions, offering their boons. I know, as a Sword of Vengeance, you will not refuse the mission either way. However, know that if you reach your goal in time…”

He nodded at me, and my left hand seared with pain. I took a sharp intake of breath and looked down to see the golden shape of two eyes on my palm.

“I will complete this blessing, and you will be amongst the ranks of mortals considered anointed.”

Silence fell while he regarded me, and I stared at my palm. I shifted on my feet, considering my next words.

“I…don’t want this,” I said, cautiously. “I’m honoured, but I think my path is leading me elsewhere.”

Champions never had an easy path to becoming anointed. Most died on the way, and I had just been given a new lease on life. I wasn’t eager to throw it away for a God. Especially an asshole like Lydes.

“You are so sure,” said Lydes. “However, I believe you will change your mind once you know what is at stake.”

I fucking doubted it, but I kept my mouth closed. He continued, turning back to the window and waving his hand.

“Hidden in this land is a relic of great power, captured in suspension. Over the years its power has seeped out, extending hope to those who have none. To grant a second chance.”

Turning, he stared down at me. I could feel the gaze burning into my very soul. A second chance…

“The relic is becoming unstable, and forces of evil wish to steal it away from where it safely rests. For the greater good, Nyxmire, thismust not happen. If the relic is separated from the fateweaver, every life that was extended by its power will perish.”

My heart sank.

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