The Continuum

Other Draugar brought robes of deep purple and gold, and helped the naked women put them on. Once they were clothed, Malaetol led them to the altar, still escorted by enough Draugar that it made them feel a little apprehensive and uncomfortable. Draugar were known as guardians of the dead. They were evil, foul creatures for the most part, but these Draugar seemed to be inclined to take orders from the living. Faye pondered this over in her mind. Maybe all Draugar weren't evil, even though they felt like it? Her curiosity got the best of her. "These Draugar, they seem to follow human orders. How can this be?" she asked Malaetol.

Malaetol smiled. "Who said we were alive? You presume too many things. You think there's an explanation for everything you see and know that's tangible. You think because you can see me, and feel me that I must be on the same level of existence as you. You couldn't be more wrong. There is a place called the Continuum where Demons and Gods rule, and souls, both lost and saved, haunt. Beware of every shadow you see, for there is more to that shadow than you know."

"Are you a shadow?"

Malaetol stopped and turned to face Faye. She grasped her hand. "Shadows do not feel, nor can they be felt physically. No, I am not a shadow. I am, however, of the Continuum, neither living nor dead, but existing. These beings you call Draugar exist to serve the Continuum as protectors of shrines and altars of both Gods and Demons. If every shrine and altar were unprotected, man would destroy himself with the powers he would discover and unleash. Every shrine has maidens, and every altar has priests and priestesses. They watch from the shadows. commanding their guardians, until the time of Renewal and the Great Awakening."

"You mentioned rebirth. Does that also mean this is a time of renewal?" Faye's curiosity was not ready to let go.

"It is one and the same" answered Malaetol. "You are to be the catalyst, my dear Virgin Queen."

"You intend to sacrifice me?" was the first thought that popped into Faye's mind.

This made Malaetol laugh. "Only Demons and their followers sacrifice virgins. Your coming here at this particular moment in time was foretold by Vulva herself. She needs the blood of a virgin for renewal and rebirth. It is your destiny to supply Vulva with that blood. From the little bit of blood I receive from you, you will be rewarded with many blessings, and a power that none can match. However, you must be willing to make this small sacrifice. I will not **** you. Nor will anyone else. So now that you know these things, what will you choose?"