Full-Blood Half-Breed by Cleve Lamison Read Free Book Online

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runts and filthy Viles?”
    “She is no Vile,” Fox the Runt said. He took her hand and led her aside, losing his place in line that they might share a confidential moment.
    “Gracias,” she said, grinning at him. “You speak true. There is nothing vile about serving The One God through the Prophet or following the holy truths put forth by Vicente Santos.”
    His heart dropped into his stomach and the ache in his head intensified. She was a Vile after all. Only Viles referred to Vicente the Vile as Vicente Santos. But by Seisakusha’s Tail, she did not seem like a wicked or evil person. She extended her hand to him and he shook it. She was probably the only Vile in the whole of the Thirteen he would have touched, but between her beauty and the pounding in his skull, he could not think clearly. He nearly swooned from the touch of her warm, slender hand in his own.
    “I am Pía Del Whitewraith of House Ximena, and I would speak to you of your undying soul.”
    He nodded dumbly. She could speak to him of whatever she wished.
    “I am here to attest that there is no god but The One God,” Pía said. “The other gods are but sham constructions of the Nameless Three to lure the foolish into false worship, the penalty for which is eternal damnation.”
    “I am sorry, señorita.” Fox the Runt shook his head. “But I am a Seisakushan. I am—”
    “Damned,” she said, staring into his eyes. “If you continue to worship that false goddess, your soul is doomed.” Her face and tone softened. “And I think it would pain me greatly to know that you were suffering.”
    For a moment, he forgot how to form words and it had nothing to do with the thunderstorm of agony in his skull. Pía Del Whitewraith spoke sincerely, if he were any judge. She genuinely seemed concerned for his welfare.
    She made the sign of the Ira de Dios again, and said, “
Adanedi nihi galvquodi-adanvdo gvdodi Adelohosgi
. Have you never wondered why Seisakusha and the other false gods set such impossibly high standards for their followers? And when those followers inevitably fail to measure up, she dooms them to eternal damnation!”
    Fox the Runt said nothing, but he had often wondered about that. It was next to impossible for any normal human to satisfy the moral demands of the gods.
    Señorita Del Whitewraith continued. “When the standard of righteousness is impossibleto achieve, there is no motive to even try, thus all are doomed to hell and may be as wicked as they choose while walking the physical world. Does it not make sense that the Nameless Three would want a world of people committed to wickedness, Señor—?”
    “I am called Fox the—I am Zwergfuchs. Zwergfuchs Von Hammerhead of Großemänner’s Line.”
    Something like recognition flashed in her eyes at the mention of his name. “I am pleased to meet you, Señor Zwergfuchs. Please, come to Templo Santos and read the holy text with me. The One God gives so much, and in return, he asks only exclusive devotion. Does this not seem more righteous than the high demands of Seisakusha?”
    He shrugged. “I am not sure, Señorita Del Whitewraith. Perhaps. I—”
    “Take The One God into your heart and you will be sure, señor. He will give you infinite love and everlasting forgiveness. You have but to ask for it. Tell me, Señor Zwergfuchs, what has Seisakusha ever done for you? What has she given you to merit your loyalty?”
    His lips parted, but he could think of no answer to Señorita Del Whitewraith’s question, at least no suitable one.
    She flashed a knowing smile at him and once more signed the Ira de Dios before taking his hand into hers, igniting a bonfire inside him.
    “
Adanedi nihi galvquodi-adanvdo gvdodi Adelohosgi
. Give your soul to the Prophet, Señor Zwergfuchs.” She dipped her head politely. “And gracias, señor. I thank you for your time.”
    “But señorita—”
    “You have my name. If you would know more of the truth, seek me at Templo