Chapter Text
Out of all things, smell was the first to return to him. With it he could recognize the distinct scent of heavy rain and copper.
Then came taste, where he could feel the lingering traces of deathroot still on his tongue. His stomach panged as touch came back to him as well.
The unpleasant scraping of his claws against the floor made him cringe, yet it brought a sort of reassuring clarity.
His previously numb body slowly began to ache and his bones creaked. The cloth he wore was rough and scratched against his skin. His dagger was sheathed at his side. The amulet was tightly wrapped around his left hand.
Next came his sight. It was extremely fleeting, and wouldn't stop stinging, but he was able to make out two figures in front of him. He tried to move forward but his body ended up giving out and his vision went dark again.
After an unknown amount of time; finally, finally , the constant ringing in his ears subsided and he could hear again. The sounds of heavy rain filled him with a weird sense of joy.
Gurranq hesitantly opened his eyes and was relieved that the sting had subsided; he took in the sight of the Bestial Sanctum. Then, of course, his eyes were drawn to the corpses on the floor.
Two knights, one with a mixed armor of silver and gold, the other a gray and dull red. Dark blood pooled around them both. His nose twitched and he sniffed.
Not dead for long, must have bled out.
Only the gray one was stabbed, an elegant greatsword through their side. The gold one had a large hole through their chest. The object which caused it lay discarded to their left.
He gingerly reached an arm out and was pleased to find that he could hold his own weight, albeit still a bit shaky.
Gurranq pulled himself off the floor and after some stumbling, made it to the beautifully made weapon.
It was longer than the man who wielded it, with a spiral blade. Something about it put him off, so he breathed in. The scent of wolves, blood, and blackfire. His memory kicked up and he recognized it.
The gloam-queen's sacred blade. But why would…? Perhaps a close consort?
He shook his head. Whoever he was, now he was dead, well and truly. He gave the golden knight a quick glance, the smell of deathroot lingering on them. Nothing could be done to truly thank the knight, but Gurranq still dipped his head in gratitude.
He then raised his gaze to the open door, to outside . His body began to move on its own, curiosity filling hi-
Maliketh.
Gurranq lightly flinched at the voice, the sound being unfamiliar to him after a millennia without it.
You are to stay in the Sanctum.
The commanding voice of Marika echoed through his head. A headache formed and he let out a low groan.
It has been a long time, my lady.
You are supposed to stay in the sanctum, to hide death.
Gurranq felt frustration already starting to rise. A flicker of desperation ran through him.
I have, but I have been here for an Era. I've only recently regained my senses.
As my shadow, you are duty-bound to obey me.
As your shadow, I am only sworn to protect, which I cannot do while so far away.
You have always and will continue to obey me as your queen.
He felt his body being pulled backwards, but it was weak and easily ignored. Yet he still felt his heart hammer and a lump in his throat.
Marika, my queen, I beg of you to let me leave to fulfill my duty as your shadow.
I cannot risk Destined Death being let out.
My queen, it has been at least a millenia. Few knew of the incantation to release death, and even fewer must know of it now.
Marika was quiet for a moment before responding.
You may leave, but Destined Death must not be released.
Relief immediately flooded him.
I understand. Thank you, Queen Marika. But… where are you? In Leyndell?
In a way. In any case, travel there, I'd like to see my city.
With that, he felt Marika leaving, only a small headache remaining. Gurranq stepped forward out the large doors and immediately felt cold rain hit him.
The gargoyle meant to defend him was gone, as well as the militia he'd hired. Mind still ringing, he continued down the slope and onwards to the capital.