The Seventh Name

Oshar followed the procession as the would be vessel was taken to the place of her ascension. He remained unseen. He kept his distance. Every fibre of his being was calling him to charge into the flock of fools and slay her outright. This girl could not be the next vessel. It just could not be. What did she know of the holy city? What pleasure could she bring to the Twins? She was an outsider, an enemy and she was marked for death.

Oshar reached into the folds of his robes and pulled free the sacred scroll that had been entrusted to him all those months ago. He had been sent out amongst the filth and the dross that had washed up on the distant shores to select chosen souls for the ritual. Chosen sacrifices to win the blessing of the twins in the trials to come. He was the Herald of the Maelstrom, he was the harbinger of war and the trusted hand of the prophetess.

He carefully unfolded the scroll and peered down at the blood red smears where the names had been erased, their souls collected. Only one remained and he traced his finger over it as he considered the riddle that had been placed before him. He had expected to collect the seventh name upon arrival at the city, but instead the Ascendant had taken the soul stone and started the trials. Why?

Still Tamazzalt would not meet with him; would not answer his questions. He had returned to find his home in chaos and his exalted position almost ignored in the rush to raise this interloper to an undeserved place of honour. He shook his head in frustration. It would not stand, he would not be thrust aside like this. He had been entrusted with a holy mission and he would complete it no matter the cost.

The seventh name would be struck from the scroll.

Islana Annora would die this day!