TWELVE: ORIGINS
“What is it, Tobias?” Arcana looked furious.
“Sir, I apologise for interrupting, but there’s something going on that needs your attention. A… monster has been spotted in Ortus!”
Outside, there was chaos as villagers raced to hide or arm themselves. The temple attendants disrobed, hanging their ceremonial garments on hooks before streaming out into the square. Blott dropped the dagger and followed. Only he noticed the tiny droplet of black fluid slide off the blade and onto the floor.
Elders headed in all directions, presumably to their homes for their families, while others lit torches and charged in the direction of the panic.
Villages were fleeing to the north in droves. Mothers dragged children along by their arms, or scooped them up and ran with them if they were l
