Part of The Job

The mouth gaping, stares, and people falling to their knees, in her presence, Islana dealt with on regular basis but she still couldn’t get used to it. It was such a very odd thought from where the redhead had come from to where she currently was. Still, the reaction of those the Prophetess past by was understandable. After all, here she was with her red hair, tied back into a braid with ribbons, fair skin, green eyes and on top of all of that carrying a falcon on her shoulder, it had to be an unusual sight as their new leader.

Spotting the tents being dismantled and people continuing to pack, it hadn’t been forgotten they were moving on today. If the stalking creature turned out not to be the Skara, it would likely just not bother following them. The way it was reported stalking the camp, at night, but having had no actual attacks could mean a few things. It could be the creature was looking for food but found the number of people intimidating, maybe trying to figure out the best way. It could be the Horde had camped a little too close to the creature’s home. It could just be curious.

If it was the Skara… That thought brought far more uneasiness and questions, none of which the new Sister Loctus wanted to contemplate until she could be more certain. The giant scorpion would be far more of an issue.

Once Islana had crossed the camp, to the large dune, green eyes surveyed the area. It wasn’t necessary, however, as the feeling was unmistakable. It was after her and that could only be the Skara. The young woman paused, and closed her eyes, she said nothing for several minutes.

There had been a time, not so long ago, the idea of fear and loathing an animal, any animal would have seemed impossible. Those were feelings reserved only for certain people. Yet, here were those feelings for the Skara. She actually despised and was terrified by this creature. It wasn’t a good thing and made determining what to do next difficult.

Turning her gaze towards, Amastan and Agizul, the redheaded Sister spoke. “It’s the Skara. I know it is.” She then moved them a little away from the guard. “I also am certain it’s looking for me. We are moving today but it’ll likely follow us. It won’t stop until it gets what it wants.” The idea that came through her mind was terrifying but it might be the only way. “I think we should give the Skara what it wants. Give it me. In a manner of speaking. Tonight, I’ll be at the perimeter with the guard. It’ll try to attack me and we can kill it then.” A pause, then she added. “We should double up the perimeter guard tonight as well.”

While the young woman was pretending to be brave, her eyes showed signs of fear. Still, her people had to know she would protect them or at least try. The idea was to get out of this plan with the only casualty being the Skara itself. She could hope anyway.

The two priests were Islana’s most trusted advisors on this journey; she let them know that by adding. “I welcome either of you to offer your opinions about this,” Having to tell people they could say what they wanted around her, was also very difficult to get used to.