Chapter Twelve
The Cult of Inanis.
It’s been two years since I escaped from The Company. I look out over the little slice of the world my people have claimed. We have claimed the town I grew up in and the forest as well. There is a stronghold around the crypt now which acts more as a church then a fortress. The strangeness around the crypt grows with each new follower. It’s amazing after all we didn’t build the stronghold or the small city now surrounding it. The city Obsidian is modern and furnished despite appearing as we sleep. I tried staying up one night, but no matter what I do I fall asleep before the sunrise. If that’s not strange enough then the fact that two years in this city is two months outside of it.
When I first took over most people left, but more than enough have come to replace them. I didn’t see either of my friends. The Company evacuated some people and I suppose they were among them. They have done well keeping me here. Then again, I haven’t been seriously trying to leave. I don’t need to as people come here regularly enough that Inanis hasn’t asked me to leave yet. Most of them live in the constantly growing city leaving the actual town a no mans land. The initial followers I made from The Company guards proved themselves by exterminating those on the base who wouldn’t follow. They now train and lead the army I made for Inanis in the remains of the town. The time difference between the city and the outside world has made it far too easy to defend ourselves. The city has almost consumed the forest and is encroaching on the town. This means we’ll need to expand soon and I must visit the frontlines once more. A smile crosses my face at this thought. I have been idle too long and the thrill of combat calls to me. The training sessions I’ve been given by some of my more skilled followers isn’t doing it for me anymore. I can feel Inanis resonate with my feelings. “Yes, this has been quite boring. Although the soldiers are entertaining. My connection to you makes it feel almost like I’m killing them myself.” I exhale the smile on my face widens a bit more. “Well then shall we go have some fun?” I can feel Inanis agree. Me and Inanis are so synchronized at this point that I’m sure soon I won’t even have to ask as our moves and thoughts will be as one.
Thanks to Inanis I can move through the city almost instantly. From the balcony of the church positioned above the crypt I take one step and I’m at the edge of the city. The guards positioned there kneel and bow their heads. They reacted faster to my sudden presence than I expected. “How about a little gift for then Inanis?” I spoke this out loud. Unless he’s being deliberately specific or dare I say lonely Inanis doesn’t really talk anymore I just sense his intentions. Both I and the guards could feel them growing physically stronger and more physically attractive. They were not made overly attractive, but the changes were more than noticeable. I walked forward towards an F.O.B. belonging to one of my generals. It didn’t take me long to get there and the soldiers reacted in the same manner as the guards. Unfortunately for them Inanis believes performing too many miracles will dilute their worth. I enter the generals war room and he kneels as well. “It’s been some time general. I’m pleased to see you haven’t forgotten how to act. Rise there is work to be done.” He stands and moves so I can take his place at the table. “It’s time to expand general.” Before I can speak further Inanis stops me and after I agree his voice comes through beside my own like I was possessed. “There is a city to the north of here. The prophet will place a piece of my crypt at its center. Afterwards it will change and grow as this one has.” My voice was my own again, but I had a little more to say. “Gather your soldiers the others will stay and protect Obsidian. We will break through the defenses The Company has built to the north. You and your men will hold that point as I go and take the city north of here.” As I waited Inanis sensed my confusion about the mission. “Obsidian will stop growing after it has swallowed the town. That’s not the expansion I was talking about. I can only influence the world so far from my crypt. As my prophet, you are an exception.” After this the general came back with his soldiers and we set out.
We arrived at the gate The Company had set up. A single weak point along a reinforced steel wall surrounding the city of Obsidian. It’s twenty feet tall and under constant patrol. I don’t know what The Company has done to their men, but I can’t reach them anymore. It’s unfortunate as they do make some of the best followers I’ve ever seen. I assume that it’s because they’re half brainwashed from their training anyway. Now that I have the opportunity I know what I need to do. “General make sure to capture a few of them alive and as intact as possible. That includes their equipment as well.” I don’t need a response or to even look at him to know my orders will be followed. I speak now only for the sake of normalcy and to maintain my own mental health. I only have to think my instructions and my followers would know what to do. I can extend this understanding between my followers if they are within one hundred meters. Unfortunately, I can only do so for about ten minutes. This ability makes this mission significantly easier. The wall and particularly the gate went up recently. Well recently for them anyway. From inside the city it looked like it took months, but they must have done it in only a few days. Because of this none of us know how it works or how many guards are on the other side. So, all I have to do is pretend to turn myself over to them and project where they are to my men. Then I kill whoever can close the gate so my soldiers can come through and take care of the rest. The simplest plans are sometimes the best ones.
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