| Something is not right with Xun’riia. I fear I may have acted hastily in elevating her to full priestesshood. Some of her new powers are too much for her and she cannot control them properly. It’s her shapeshifting powers that affect her the most.
It first became noticeable when we went on the prowl for a suitable house slave. Getting one was easy with us passing as humans using Lloth’s powers. So right under the noses of the Duchy’s authorities we picked up a naïve and innocent young girl who called herself Holly. It was then I noticed that Xun had difficulty in adjusting when she changed back. I was at a loss. This should not be happening. She should be able to change form at will with no reaction. Was the Divine Mother angry at Xun, or with me?
We left the slave in a cell not fully broken. I had to deal with Xun’riia’s problem first, she is more important to me than anything else. She allowed me to enter her mind once more so that I could reach in deep. I wanted to make sure that all traces of the blackrock manifestation were completely gone. As I wandered round her mind I found this was the case. I saw no evidence, but I did see other things, images of what she wants and needs from me. I told her some of the things I saw, the rest I left unsaid. I will need to act on these innermost secrets. But first I had to get her fully back in control of herself.
I told Xun she would have to make another sacrifice to Lloth, so we raided the same elf camp where I had stolen the brat. After slaughtering the whole camp, I got her to cut out six hearts. We took these to the temple and Xun’riia sacrificed them to Lloth. Her prayer and offering was accepted. When we got back to the stronghold she seemed more herself and all seemed well. I had previously talked things over with Jyslin but she was no great help in this matter. Jyslin regards her as a traitor. In her eyes she has already forsaken one goddess, why would she not forsake another. I have doubts, yes, but I have seen things in Xun’riia’s mind, things she probably does not even know herself. No, she is not another Jhulae. I have not seen Xun’riia for some days now and this makes me wonder. That and the taunting words of Jyslin. What if the bitch is in fact right? When next I see Xun’riia, we shall see.
Meanwhile I busied myself with corrupting and humiliating the new slave. When all is done she will make a fine sacrifice. I cannot believe how naïve these humans are. Do their mothers teach them nothing? She has committed several murders now, all her escape routes are closed and she has nowhere else to go. She is mine and when I have made her heart blacker than the darkest night I will give her to Lloth. |