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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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~~~~~<br />

We went <strong>to</strong> our cell with an escort <strong>of</strong> skele<strong>to</strong>ns and ghouls, Hargrimm's staff<br />

clacking against the tiles as he walked. Soego had <strong>be</strong>en resting on the <strong>be</strong>d<br />

once again, and sat up in alarm upon seeing the grim cavalcade.<br />

Hargrimm's voice was a cold, emotionless hiss when it spoke. "Soego, what<br />

is this I hear <strong>of</strong> thee <strong>be</strong>ing in league with Many-As-One?"<br />

The Dustman's eyes shrank back in shock, "What? That is a lie! Who would<br />

dare level such a heinous accusation against me?!" He scanned the group,<br />

and those red-rimmed eyes fell on me. He snarled, half growl, half chitter,<br />

like that <strong>of</strong> a rodent, "You!"<br />

A crack <strong>of</strong> that heavy staff snapped Soego's attention back <strong>to</strong> the tall<br />

skeletal priest, "Darest thou lie <strong>to</strong> the high priest <strong>of</strong> the Silent King?"<br />

"No! No, Hargrimm, I would never presume..."<br />

"Where is thy journal? Let me see it. Prove thy innocence <strong>be</strong>fore the eyes <strong>of</strong><br />

the Silent King."<br />

"I... I..." he gulped, crestfallen and meek, "I <strong>be</strong>g for your mercy, Hargrimm."<br />

"The Dead Truce shall protect thee here, Soego, but thou shalt never leave<br />

these catacombs. Thou shalt continue thy pursuit <strong>of</strong> thy precious "True<br />

Death" here, alone... for the rest <strong>of</strong> thy days. Farewell," Hargrimm laid<br />

Soego's sentence with grim satisfaction, with a nod stiff and sure as an<br />

executioner's arm.<br />

Soego sputtered, "But... you... can't... nnnnARAGH!"<br />

Ro<strong>be</strong>s tearing and eyes bleeding fully in<strong>to</strong> a bright crimson, Soego<br />

transformed. His skin thickened in<strong>to</strong> fur-covered hide, his teeth elongated<br />

in<strong>to</strong> yellow fangs. A thick, wormlike tail snapped out <strong>be</strong>hind him. Soego<br />

curled forward on all fours, shrieking in an inhuman howl as long whiskers<br />

twitched along his rat-like snout.<br />

Hargrimm merely clicked its teeth, unimpressed, "Mark my words, Living;<br />

only the Truce protects thee. Do <strong>not</strong> cast aside thy only shield so<br />

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