(Lave POV)

I grabbed a tree branch and twirled it around like a baton. So boring! Walking through the forest instead of the main road helps to keep me from the eyes of the Church however it did nothing to satisfy my boredom. Maybe I should walk on the main road and draw attention to myself. Then I can get information on the priests from whoever attacks me.

Even though that would relieve my boredom it would also make this trip twice as difficult. I really don't want to be here. Honestly I wish to avoid this little war. If I can avoid it and head back home then that would be great. Plus I need to train the new recruits. Well Boss can always get someone else to do that.

Pulling out a dagger I started carving patterns into the stick. I should arrive in Vasa by sunset. It has already been about a day since I left the Church. Normally it would take two days by carriage however that was if you followed the road. On the other hand it is only two days walking distance if you cut through the woods.

Coming across a clearing with a small watering hole I decided to take a brake. Hopping onto a rock I dipped my feet into the water and relaxed. A Holy War was something I absolutely wanted to avoid being involved in. They are one of the most bloody and unethical wars that can be waged. Its basically genocide in the name of a deity.

Looking up into the bright blue sky I thought back on the days when my parents were still alive. Our small little cove hidden from sight from both the Humans and the other Mythics. I traced my hand across the ancient words printed into my skin. No matter how much time passes the words will never fade.

[ “Mor Murchú it is time.” Taking a deep breath I steeled myself. Today I would receive my story. Swimming to the back of the dark cave the old Mer Witch sat on a bone chair behind a flat stone pedestal. Her seaweed green hair floated around untamed. Black eyes locked onto mine. “Lay down.” She commanded her voice dry and cracking despite the water.

I laid down, the pedestal cold against my bare skin. A needle stabbed sharply into my back drawing blood. With each stab the pain doubled. Images flashed across my eyes to fast to understand, however the emotions were clear. Pain, fear, sadness, anger, resolve, a cold hatred. With the last stab the images faded as I laid there breathing heavily.

I turned to ask the Mer Witch but stopped short when I saw tears streaming down her face. “My child...” she seemed unsure how to continue. “The Coventina has given you a harsh path. One that will put you through many hardships. However do not despair. You are the hope of this Cove.” She drew a shaky breath. “Come and see me everyday after your training. I have much to teach you.”

She handed me a black band. “Tie your hair with this and tell no one what you saw or felt. Your story is one that should only be known to you. Become strong Mer Murchú no The Hunting Dog of Scáthach Cove. ]

The wind blew through the clearing signaling a change in weather. A snort drew my attention. “Ho, a Helhest?” A beautiful black feathered horse stood watching me warily. Its three taloned legs making it have an odd since of unbalance. It stomped its back foot at me and bared its teeth. “A horse said to spread pestilence and death. However seeing as how the plants are fine then you must be different.”

The Helhest whinnied and puffed its feathers out making itself look bigger. “Now now, why are you so aggressive?” I leisurely stood up causing the Helhest to take a step back. “I was just lamenting how it would take the rest of the day to walk to Vasa.” A smile spread across my face as I walked towards the Helhest. Its claws dug into the dirt unsure weather to fight or run. I pushed off the ground making it seem like I teleported in front of it when all I did was jump. Placing my hand on the soft feathers between the eyes, the Helhest froze.

“How would you like to give me a ride to Vasa?” I asked while tilting my head to the side. The Helhest lowered its head trying to make itself small and unimportant. I laughed. “This is why I like animals they are so easy to understand.”

Swinging my leg over its back I patted its side. The Helhest shivered but moved forward without further urging. He is such a good horse. All I had to do was either tap his left or right side and he would turn that way. It only took an hour for the Helhest to weave its way through the forest and to the edge of Vasa.

Jumping off while it was still running I skidded to a halt. The Helhest immediately turned and ran back into the forest. “Thanks for the ride!” I called to the terrified horse. It is such a cute creature. I wish I could keep it.

Storm clouds had already fully formed by this point causing the sky to darken. Hm, should I sneak into the city or just walk in? The Priests should be staying somewhere in the city. Drops of water began falling. I'll just walk in. I made my way to the gate where a crowed of people covered in cloaks to stay dry in the rain where trying to shove there way in.

I walked up beside a carriage and pulled a cloak from one of the bags. Its faded grey color blended in with the rest. I wove my way up to the mob at the front. The two guards are completely overwhelmed by the people. “Everyone form a line!” One called while the other checked Ids. Making sure the sword I took from the Holy knight in Haze is clearly visible, I pulled out one of the pendents and tied it to the cloak like a broach.

“Id card.” Asked the Guard with out looking up at me.

“Where are the Priests?” I asked completely ignoring his question. My voice cold an unfeeling. The Guard paused and looked at me. His eyes going from the pendent to the sword.

“... They are staying at the Church just down...”

“Take me there.” My tone showing that I would accept nothing but a positive answer. The Guard shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.

“I'm sorry Ma'am, but I have to...”

“Take me to the Priests.” My tone growing colder.

“Yes, of course.” The Guard looked very shaken. “Jeff I'll be right back. You handle the gate.”

“What? No you can't leave me here alone!” Called the other Guard as we walked to the to the Church. Soon I will learn how to get back to Earth.