Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 15)

(Heh guess no buying alcohol lol)

That response did nothing to making Jerica feel better and she kept her hand on her sword, still not drawing it. “I would like an explanation.”

"That's not usually how it's done," Them mused, leaping up onto one of the wooden boards. "Usually a disciple accepts they've been chosen and that's that. But you're vulnerable at the moment, so I will make an exception on their behalf."

Jerica very hesitantly took her hand off her sword but she looped her thumb through her belt — very near in case she needed to go for her sword quickly. “Discipline to whom? Who are they? Who are you?”

"Are you familiar with the name Strithr, the Watcher After War, the Red Snow, Haelar's Child?"

Jerica shook her head. None of those sounded familiar.

Them sighed. "The god of war up here? One of the Many Who Slumber?"

Jerica blinked at him and said stupidly, “I’m Rhaebakian.”

"So?"

“So why would I know Northern folktales?”

They bristled at that. "They're not folktales. These are truths I'm speaking, child. Strithr has chosen you as one of their champions."

Jerica looked at Them for a long moment, having to make the conscious choice to keep her shoulders squared and chin raised. She wasn’t a coward. She didn’t understand but she couldn’t say that. Obviously. “…I’m to believe… I’ve been personally chosen by… a god?”

"You are indeed." They nodded. "They'll be waking soon; they need someone to represent them in this second awakening."

“They chose me in their sleep?” she asked skeptically.

"The gods have very vivid dreams," Them said, tucking their tail around their legs. "Strithr dreamed that I would tell you this, and so I exist."

Jerica rubbed her face. Were They crazy or was she? Probably both of them. She was really talking to a mountain cat about being chosen by a god. Ash must have drugged her somehow. “Well… what do they want?” She’d humor Them.