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Ratau never asked for this.
A flurry of trees shot past him as he ran in the direction his crown was guiding him to. Tonight, the sky was thick with lighting and rain. The leaves of Dark Woods expanded so far that they usually did well to protect their inhabitants from downpour. This time, however, the leaves crumbled under the rain, making the paths slightly flooded and muddy. Ratau felt weighed down by rain sticking to his fur, and oncoming droplets slightly blinded him in the already blinding darkness. Despite this, years of crusading through the woods have made his movements swift as he effortlessly navigated shifts and tangles in the path.
He never asked to be maimed over and over again by these rampant heretics, but this time he silently hoped at least one would slow him down before he arrived at his destination. Now would have been the perfect time for followers of the old faith to ambush him, but it seems like even they were granted the opportunity to hide away from the onslaught of rain. Unfortunately, mercies like those were a thing of the past for the rat.
He abruptly turned off the path, skidding as he grabbed dirt and pushed off with one hand and urged his crown into a spear with another. He rushed into the bulk of the forest, cutting into bushes and dead trees to create a new path.
He was getting closer. The growing unease he felt told him more so than the crown. He wanted to distract himself from the feeling. The scraps of branches that lifted his fur as he ran, the sound of rain shattering on the trees, or the air that chilled his lungs every time he took a breath--but nothing would calm his mind.
He never asked to kill the innocent just to strengthen the god's powers. Of course the longevity of his servitude would make the angered god even more dissatisfied. He demanded more and more slaughter to keep his powers in check. Ratau could barely suppress his agony when it came time to watch life fade from his followers' eyes, but they were at least willing (albeit misguided). But, to sacrifice children…kits that have only been in this world for a few months. Ratau felt like he was going to be sick.
Upon arriving at a small clearing, he finally stilled himself. A few feet ahead stood a rounded cottage softly admitting light as if it were a beacon of hope. Many times it was. Ratau’s mind drifted to the times he visited Forneus and her cart. She was never less than shining light in the crusades he went through. He always looked forward to browsing her wares and she was extremely generous with them and her words of encouragement.
A wave of tiredness washed over Ratau.
“I never asked for this at all,” he mumbled to himself.
He trudged to the wooden door, heartbeat becoming increasingly rampant. Face to face, he slowly raised his knuckles to knock before pausing just above her door. He knew that her greatest desire was for children, but she was infertile…or so he thought. She was probably tending to her kits right now. And here he was, out in the middle of the night to steal her children as an offer to the god.
All because he asked to live.
The crown urged him now, forcing out just enough hesitation to have him firmly rap his knuckles against the door. Ratau jumped slightly before immediately freezing to listen to any sound of movement. Minutes passed with no sound more distinct than the dull drone of rain.
A smile carefully crept onto Ratau's face. Of course. It was dark and pouring. Maybe Forneus was asleep or taking shelter elsewhere. That should be enough of an excuse to prolong this request. Ratau relaxed as he went to step away from the door. Suddenly, the door knob began to creak. The pain and turmoil of the journey increased tenfold in Ratau’s chest. He cursed under his breath before bracing himself, the crown on his head beginning to take form...
Forneus wore a soft, sleepy smile for the rat before dropping it immediately, eyes focusing on the point of his spear shaped crown so close to her face.
“Forneus," he rasped, "The One Who Waits commands that you lay down your children as a sacrifice to him.”
The moment was deadly quiet aside from his ragged breathing. Forneus finally looked away from the spear to catch Ratau's gaze, causing him to falter and look down. Frustrated, he edged his spear to her neck and tried again.
"Do you hear me? You must surrender your children now, unless you rather lay down your own life!" He barked.
He was trembling. Every second that went by felt like agonizing pain. He wouldn't dare look up. He just couldn't stand to see the anguish and betrayal on her fa-
"Ay. I thought you may have been a robber of some sorts, Ratau! Why don't you come inside?"
Ratau's head shot up. He stared at the woman, mouth slightly agape. The soft glow from interior light cascaded against her features and made her adorned smile warmer than he has ever seen it. Time slipped from Ratau's mind as anxiety held his place.
“Well? You'd best catch a cold if you stay out for too long, you silly rat!" She bellowed a hardy laugh and grabbed his free arm, pulling him in as he stumbled inside.