Chapter 7: Krevborna II: The Lady of the Summer Court Strikes Back

[dman]

"No, you may not recover the bodies.  They belong to the Almighty God.  It is he who formed them from dust and to dust they shall return.  If this is an inauspicious kairos to meet with your lady, then allow us to confer this message and take our leave."

Hank motions to his crew who emerge from the tangled wilderness and begin playing.

"Please consider the offer to be rejoined with your heavenly Father who longs to gather all His beautiful lost children from the four winds."  Hank bows and joins his performing missionary band as they break out singing in Krevbornski.

[Skyrock]

The two lampads ignore Hank, and instead turn their attention to Fuyuko.

"Your cruelness, if your servant will hinder us at retrieving the bodies, at least leave us out of this. And in your own interest, leave the prize wife behind, Kheimonia won't like it to have an agent of her enemy sniff around in her very own stronghold."

A bit perplexed, Fuyuko looks behind her to see who they are addressing with 'your cruelness'.

[skydragonknight]

Kasumi looks at Hank. "The bodies matter less than the soul, and the villagers lives are already lost... If they do not take these bodies will they not look for others even if they have to make them?"

[Nanshork]

Niko snorts softly.  "Unless we kill them."

[dman]

Hank nods at Niko before turning to Kasumi.  "Then we will stop these murderers.  I understand that you're trying to be both pragmatic and diplomatic.  What's done is done as they say.  But these villagers would still be alive if not for these murderous fey, and appeasing these necromantic marauders broadcasts a sort of mewling worshipful weakness on our part - not to mention a distinct lack of strategic acumen regarding the nature of undead hordes. 

I can't believe that you would be so callous if someone killed your mother that you would then hand over her body to be animated for their twisted pleasure. 

I serve the God of all life and death and will not be cowed into the murky service of some mere rogue principality that lurks in the shadows of this forest.  I say it is she who must contend with us. 

You may proceed as your conscience dictates, and I will do the same.  My crew and I will go consecrate the bodies of these villagers, comfort their loved ones, and if necessary defend them against future raids.  May the Almighty bless you and keep you."

Hank and his holy band depart...singing.

[Dokseider]

As Hank goes into one of his music numbers, Hans simply shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath. “This is exactly why I don’t having strong leanings… they all obscenely tedious to abide by.

So what’re we going to do now?”