Warrior Nuns on the Hunt

When reports of a demon attacking citizens in the village of Snee surfaced, the Sisters of Avenging Mercy were dispatched. The sisters were followers of the ancient divines - greater angels and gods of light. Because of their devotion, they were granted enhanced strength, youth, and powers that dazzled even the most skilled human sorcerers.

Now Sister Mala and Sister Ephrie walked through the village, garnering odd glances and hushed whispers from the townsfolk. Mala supposed it was to be expected - but she still did not like it. She did not like many things right now. Not with the Mother Superior in such grave danger.

Just after the report from Snee arrived at the abbey, Mother Superior Abigail Corrine had been out in the garden picking carrots with the new initiates. The powerful blonde warrior nun had towered over the initiates - none of whom had received the blessing of the holy masters yet. The mother superior was a being beyond any of the lowly initiates in Mala's eyes; and yet, the Mother Superior insisted on engaging in the same humble acts of service.

It was towards the end of the picking session that Mother Abigail noticed something black and spindly crawling across the back of a young recruit by the name of Lily. The mousy redhead failed to notice the large spider as she tugged on a particularly large carrot, but the mother superior recognized its markings and blanched with fear.

The Coffin Strand Spider was deadly to most. Not a single one had been seen near the abbey in over a century and yet here it was, ready to take the life of a promising young initiate. Abigail acted without thinking, grabbing the spider and attempting to throw it. Immediately, the creature responded by sinking its fangs into the soft flesh of the Mother Superior's palm.

It was only by virtue of the Mother Superior's drastically enhanced physique and magical ability that she didn't die outright. Instead, Mala watched her mentor carried away to her quarters, babbling incoherently just as she was about to depart for Snee.

Mala reached the door of the mayor's house in Snee and threw her hands up in frustration.

"The Mother Superior is dying and we're off in this rubbish little village chasing a wild tale of a demon. It's probably just a shepherd that got into a bad brew of mead."

Ephrie rested her hand on Mala's back and smiled.

"Gwena found the spider and was working on a cure as we left. If anyone can save the mother superior, it would be her. Now come on, we have a mission to complete."

The door to the mayor's house opened and what looked like a scrawny boy with his hair worn far too long peered out at the two nuns. The boy stared in disbelief at them for several seconds. Then the boy spoke in a soft, high-pitch voice and Mala realized it was not a boy at all but a woman.

"You both are so tall!" The young woman said. "My apologies. I am Trill, chamber servant to the mayor. I have been instructed to take you both to Mayor Pim. Right this way!"

The girl skipped down the hall, beckoning them to follow.