Mary's Path

Spit flew from the priest's mouth as he barked out his sarcastic reply and Mary cringed backward in fear and loathing.

Exotica took a step between Mary and the irate priest. "Hey! She was only trying to help, only thinking about my welfare. You don't have to be so rude!" And then she turned and gave Mary a reassuring hug.

"The world is about to end in pain and gore," the priest hissed. "Excuse me if that makes me a little ill-tempered. Now let us be on our way, the Path awaits us."

The priest turned and stalked down the dark city street. Exotica followed quickly behind him. Mary followed at Exotica's heels.

After a moment or two though, the priest stopped and turned around. Pointing a finger at Mary he said, "And where do you think you're going? Only the Princess Exotica may tread the Path."

"B-but," Mary trembled, "I'm her servant. She will need me on her quest."

The priest suddenly laughed, loud and long. "She NEEDS you?!? And what can you do? As your mistress travels into the mystery of unknown spheres and faces the truth hidden at the world's end, what will YOU do to help her? When the Children of Akala-Shat rise up to gaze out hungrily from their hoary perches and the Hounds of Tindalos burst forth from their lost sepulchres, what will you do? As they devour and strip you of your flesh and gulp down your soul, what will you do? Oh please tell me, brave and loyal servant of the Princess!"

Mary blanched at his words, her face growing pale beyond death, beyond fear. And suddenly she was reconsidering her impulse to stay by her mistress's side.

1. Mary boldy holds firm to her duty and stays by Exotica's side
2. Mary meekly begs to be left behind and Exotica tenderly dismisses her

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