Chapter Text
The One Who Waits. It was all his fault. The Bishops of the Old Faith only slaughtered all the sheep because of him. Her teeth were sharp and her body rejected the food it once relied on, because of him. And Pyrite was supposed to free him? She had nothing personally against the Bishops of the Old Faith. Sure each Bishop had their own issues but so did everyone else. Pyrite saw no reason to want any of them dead.
The golden fleeced ewe hopped down from the foot of the shrine where she had been sitting. The collar that hid the scar of her execution jingled softly with every movement she made. Pyrite found a bittersweet comfort in the sound of ringing bells. When she was young, other sheep wore bells. She was born in a time where traditions were dying. Pyrite could still vividly remember the wariness and constant fear in the eyes of her herd. Now however was not the time for such thoughts.
She glanced around, counting her followers. Only one more until the last door could be opened. Then Pyrite could start the first step of her plan. The One Who Waits only said that she had to start the cult in his name. One of them did eventually have to die. The Red Crown can only rest upon one brow, after all. Pyrite left the sanctuary of her cult, moving purposely toward Helob. As she expected a poor soul was bound in webs, struggling against the sticky strands.
“If it isn’t the Red Crown, looking for another morsel for your collection, are you?” Helob crooned, grinning around his mandibles. His eyes flicked to the still struggling creature then back to Pyrite. “They don’t look nearly as tasty as I thought, I’ll give you half off.”
“Numbers, Helob, numbers,” Pyrite gave him a hard look, tapping a faintly red tinted hoof against the hard ground in impatience. Helob’s grin remained lazy and cheerful.
“Let’s say a nice clean forty-eight gold,” He reached over and sliced the silk bindings as Pyrite handed the coins over. He watched the golden fleeced ewe put on a reassuring look and open her arms, welcoming the frightened creature. Helob knew most things she did in front of followers were heavily rehearsed. She presented herself as a merciful shepherd, as a protector. Which served as a ploy to make newly indoctrinated followers feel safe and encourage loyalty.
“Pleasure doing business, Helob,” She said over her shoulder as she guided the critter away. She flashed them a soft smile, sharp teeth hidden behind her lips. They were tense but seemed to slowly relax as they walked beside Pyrite. “You’ll be safe under the Red Crown. All I ask of you is complete devotion and loyalty,” The ewe said calmly as they passed the ruined arch before the plateau her cult lived on.
Pyrite’s followers kept working as she offered the newest member of her cult the appropriate red robes. She ushered them in the direction of the farms and disappeared into the temple. The Red Crown slid into the form of a snake and crept down her arm.
There are now enough to open Silk Cradle’s door. Are you certain of the plan? She bared her teeth at the obvious doubt in the Crown’s voice invading her mind. It didn’t have a voice of it’s own, instead speaking in her mind as if one of her own thoughts. The single ruby red eye of the Crown flicked away as it sensed her anger. I’m just saying you haven’t thought it through thoroughly.
“It’s been thought through enough. I can navigate my way into making them agree, after all, we have a common interest. The death of The One Who Waits,” A sly grin crossed her face. Pyrite had never thought about obtaining godhood but then again she didn’t have the Red Crown before her sacrifice.
The golden fleeced ewe took a breath and stepped behind the pedestal at the back of the temple. She kicked a bell behind her, earning a loud dong sound that would carry the message of a sermon being held. She watched with narrowed eyes as her followers filled the temple. Except one, the newest little cultist. Pyrite frowned and pointed to a random follower. She schooled her expression into a look of concern.
“Daisy, be a dear and fetch Lunar, would you? I’d hate for any of you to feel left out or unsafe. Besides, I want him to be familiar with our rules as quickly as possible, especially regarding sermons and rituals,” The white fox follower nodded eagerly and went off to do her task. She tapped her hoof impatiently as she waited for Daisy to return with Lunar in tow. She could care less about the sermons but holding daily sermons was a great way of keeping them loyal to her. The ewe’s blue eyes looked over the gathered crowd of both predator and prey. They adored her. Pyrite has never considered herself egotistical but she had to admit seeing these creatures look at her with such admiration and be so willing to do absolutely anything for her, it made her feel powerful. It made her feel deserving of the Crown she wore.
It didn’t take long for Daisy to return, and as instructed she had Lunar trailing behind her.
“Thank you, Daisy. Now that everyone is here, the sermon can begin. All praise the Red Crown,” Pyrite paused, letting her followers echo her words before continuing, “All praise the Red Crown, for allowing me to give you this sanctuary. For allowing me the joy of protecting all of you. Praise the Bishop of the Red Crown”
Pyrite tilted her head up, her eyes rolling up, the blue being consumed by the bold red of the Crown. She let herself hover with the power of the Red Crown as it collected her followers’ devotion. They gave a bow and she landed on her hooves. She shook her head, returning her eyes to their normal blue.