13

(Previous Post: 12)

The woman before you frightens you, but you attempt to maintain your composure and answer truthfully.

“I don't know what I am. I don't know how I got here. I didn't mean to intrude--” You hold out the idol, presenting it to her. She looks at your offering, waiting a moment before taking it from your hands.

“Once, these walls had risen three hundred cubits--he towers yet higher. Fifty million men dwelt in the recesses of those buildings, and in their mines of precious metal.” She leans in close her hand brushing across your cheek. It's unnaturally cold. “And I destroyed them all.”

You shiver, the chill down your spine colder than that of her touch. For the moment, you dare not move or speak. Shadows descend from the moon onto the water, and briefly her skin shows through. The damnable green mist continues to rise from the lake, and the look in her eye changes. You see through the mask of her flesh, to the scales that hide beneath—and she sees through the mask in your mind.

“You are of the wandering tribes,” she continues, “but not of those that laid the first stones of Sarnath. You are like the land of Mnar, both of waking and of dream. I accept your offering, and will spare your life... Pray to me as your aumakua. You will find favor with me and, as I grow stronger, you will be well blessed. Or, bow to me as a god, and claim allegiance against my enemies, and I will set you free. But, disgrace me, or defile this land, and you shall feel my wrath. I suggest you choose wisely”

• If you bow, and claim allegiance against her enemies, first ensure you understand what you're agreeing to, then go to 16
• If you ask, "Can you tell me who your enemies are, since they are to become my own?" Go to 14
• If you ask, "By pledging my allegiance to you, what are my responsibilities?" Go to 15
• If you do something else, comments below and your story will continue as soon as possible.