Reckoning of the Gods: Heretic - Chapter 4: Hollox
Author’s Note: This is a first draft, so please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes.
How?
How in all the ten Hells did this happen?
Hollox had spent weeks preparing for the attack, ensuring that the Immir would be leagues away, ensuring that Enneth would be here at Galetop, ensuring that the team of Pale Men, Fallow, and Scaleskin would have no trouble raiding Clearbrook. So, how did word of the attack leak?
As Hollox stormed through the hallowed halls of Galetop, Immir, Stormborn, and supplicants parted before her like blades of grass, despite her diminutive size. She had no time to gossip with anyone. She had to speak with her Mother now.
No doubt word had reached Suphah of the attack–it was mere coincidence that Hollox learned of the thwarted attack herself. When word arrived from Clearbrook this morning, Hollox just so happened to be taking a bath near the Western courtyard. She had dressed as quickly as she could, and by then Galetop was buzzing with the news.
Clearbrook was under attack.
This turn of events left Hollox with many questions, but she would deal with her spies among the Immir later. For now, she had to devote her sole attention to Suphah.
Hollox was a practiced liar, but Suphah was more cunning than all her daughters combined. The anger boiling inside Hollox could be a useful tool, especially since there was no way for her to hide it. With any luck, Hollox could convince Suphah of her outrage, and, hopefully, her Mother would allow her to form a counterattack of her own. After all, Hollox had many useful tools at her disposal.
Aside from the Stormborn, the Bloodthreshers were the most fearsome fighters in all of Summarah, except for maybe the Winnows. Hollox had ten formations at her disposal at her home city of Valecia. Dragons weren’t quite as fast as Stormborn, but what they lacked in speed, they made up for in ferocity. Hollox could reach Valecia in a matter of hours, and with any luck, she and her Bloodthreshers would reach Clearbrook before any other Stormborn.
Of course, the throngs of Immir, humans, and Stormborn milling around Galetop cost her valuable time as Hollox barrelled toward the throne room. Her impatience finally overtook her, and Hollox leapt into the air, riding the wind to the top of the central spire. Only the Goddess Suphah was permitted to enter the throne room from this opening, but Hollox did not have time or patience for customs and traditions. Every second brought her closer to potential disaster.
The Immir that encircled the central spire wisely allowed Hollox to pass, although a few of them grumbled in their native tongue. She had no lost love for the winged pests, but they had their uses.
Hollox descended quickly through the central spire, careful not to land on anyone important. Her mother’s throne was the most conspicuous feature of the atrium, an enormous stone seat in the center of the room. The throne was surrounded by a sea of Stormborn, Immir, supplicants, and onlookers, so Hollox had to land next to a wide-eyed girl in a gaudy blue dress. No doubt this was the new Stormborn.
Despite her recent decline in status, Hollox still had many friends here at Galetop. They kept her abreast of any important news, including this new Stormborn, Isa. Apparently, the girl was a runt. Some of the Stormborn felt threatened by a new sister joining their ranks, but Hollox knew Suphah must be desperate to bestow her blessing on such a weakling. In days long gone, the Stormborn would have to survive numerous trials, and only one in ten sisters might receive a blessing. This girl Isa had no idea what it meant to be a Stormborn, but she might have her uses too.
Time would tell.
“Forgive my intrusion, Mother,” said Hollox, bowing low before the enormous figure seated in front of her.
Suphah’s piercing yellow eyes brimmed with anger.
“I take it you have a reason for interrupting this sacred ceremony,” said Suphah. Her words echoed throughout Galetop, a chorus of voices emanating from a single source.
Hollox’s voice was the only response, aside from the constant rushing of wind throughout innumerable chambers.
“I received the most distressing news about Clearbrook, and I wanted to offer my aid immediately. My Bloodthreshers and I could run these foes down in no time at all, with your permission, of course.”
Suphah didn’t respond for an eternity. No doubt she was searching for some other motive for Hollox’s intrusion, but Clearbrook was under attack, and the matter was urgent. Some of the other Stormborn began muttering; she knew that most of them hated her, but that was a small price to pay for immortality.
“It seems that Enneth has already engaged these enemies, along with a full wing of Immir. The matter is probably in hand.”
Hollox had no other choice. She had to tip her hand.
“Enneth is more than capable, but perhaps this was a diversion. There may be more attacks coming. Valecia is only a few days ride from Clearbrook, and I would feel much more at ease if I could be at the ready. I pray that you will forgive my absence from this most holy ceremony.”
Suphah stepped down from her enormous throne carved from solid stone and began to transform, no longer the height of ten men, but now the height of one. She circled her daughter, probing for any weakness. Even at this size, Suphah still commanded the entire room, her white hair constantly flowing even without a breeze. Her muscular frame inspired awe, and her gait was that of a Saberclaw about to strike. A lesser person would have cracked under such pressure, but Hollox was a diamond, fashioned from centuries of conflict.
“Yes, this has also crossed my mind,” started Suphah. “I find it very intriguing that this attack took place now, of all times, when Enneth was supposed to be here at Galetop. What’s more, these attackers knew exactly where to strike, using a hidden path known to few. To be honest, I don’t know what’s more concerning: the timing, the precision, or the audacity.”
“Nevertheless, I am sure that your sister Enneth would appreciate the help. You have my blessing to leave, but please take Medina with you. I would feel much safer knowing that two of my strongest children are fighting alongside Enneth.”
Hollox tried to hide her displeasure. She caught a glimpse of the red-haired hag in the crowd.
“If I may,” began Hollox, “I have another idea. What if I were to enlist the help of this new Stormborn? As you said, Enneth probably has the matter handled, but if not, what better way to test Isa’s strength? That is, unless you are worried about her safety.”
Hollox had caught her Mother in a trap. If Suphah would not allow Isa to join Hollox, then the new Stormborn would look weak, and that would reflect poorly on the Goddess. On the other hand, if Isa did join Hollox, then the matter would be much simpler for Hollox to manipulate.
Suphah contemplated this for a moment, then turned to Medina for her opinion.
“What say you, Medina? Is she ready?”
Medina nodded without hesitation.
“She is.”
The runt scowled at Hollox, no doubt upset that her special day was being ruined. She should get used to the disappointment.
“The matter is settled, then. Isa, you are to travel with Hollox to Clearbrook, and I will dispatch another ten wings of Immir to follow you. The rest of you, return to your keeps and await further instructions.”
Hollox smiled and bowed before her Mother. Suphah returned to her throne, expanding to fill the enormous wooden seat.
Hollox turned to face Isa as the crowd dispersed.
“Be ready within the hour,” said Hollox. “I will meet you at the eastern gardens.”