A Vinekin's Revenge (pt.9): Trapped & Ensnared

 

As the path cleared, a deep mysterious voice comes through the forest.

"Welcome, my loyal disciples." It was Kevin's voice greeting his followers. Morgwen could see Martin's smile and eagerness in the torchlight. She notices his tight grip on the Crown of Thorns. He shouldn't have that crown... if Kevin is trying to perform Vineamorphosis, I need to stop him before it's too late, she thinks to herself.

They all walk along the path and soon, it leads them to the Stone Thornbound Altar and Kevin, the Vinekin, standing behind the altar with his arms stretched-wide. The member of the chapel gather around the altar and bow, paying their respects to Kevin. Morgwen observes everyone's movements and mannerisms and tries to blend in and does the same. 

Martin comes forward to the altar and bows down to Kevin. He walks around the altar and places his hand on Martin's shoulder saying, "Rise, Martin, for you have been chosen to guide my people. I shall reward you for your loyalty and devotion to me." Martin stands up with his head still bowed down and turns around to face the congregation. 

 Martin speaks to the crowd sharing his thanks to the chapel and for trusting him to lead them. As the service is continuing, Morgwen looks around her to see if she can see if anything could lead her to Graff. It's so dark now, it's impossible... She turns to Selene and asks if she could borrow her torchlight to walk around. Selene stops her, "What are you doing? You're being rude! We're in the middle of a service right now. This is a big deal. Martin is about to become the new Priest!" Morgwen apologizes, "I'm sorry, you're right."

Kevin silences Martin and the crowd. His tone changes, "Hush, I can sense an outsider among us," looking directly at Morgwen. Shit, Morgwen feels her body locking in place, paralyzed by fear. Selene looks at her sister stunned. They lock eyes and she could see that even Selene doesn't really know what to do either. Martin waves his hands motioning Morgwen to come forward, "Ah Morgwen, come up and please pay your respects to Kevin, the Vinekin." She hesitates, "I'm just an observer; here to simply watch the service and learn more." She eyes Kevin and sees that he is not pleased with her answer... 

Suddenly, she feels the vines move underneath her and quickly moves trying to avoid them from grabbing her ankles. Martin laughs at her, "Silly girl. You most definitely don't want to anger Kevin. Come up, now." Morgwen looks at Selene trying to search her face for an answer, any solution. Selene shrugs her shoulders and encourages her to just listen to Martin and Kevin. 

Morgwen slowly walks through the crowd and stands at the altar. She bows her head trying to avoid eye contact and she hears Martin say firmly, "Bow down." Not wanting to make this any more complicated, she gives in and listens. Morgwen gets on a knee and bows. She can feel Kevin moving closer and stands hovering above her. He takes the Crown of Thorns from Martin's hand and says, "You may just be an observer, an outsider, but I need you to show me that I can trust you. Place this crown on Martin." She feels his vines tapping her shoulder motioning her to stand up. 

She stands looking directly up into the Spirit of the Forest's eyes. He gives her the crown and she stands behind Martin and asks him to bend down so she could place this unholy relic on his head. Her hands tremble with fear and nerves. So many thoughts and ideas race through her mind. I need to get rid of this stupid crown; this needs to be destroyed! 

As she's holding it above his head, she sees that Martin is still holding his torch. What if I can try to drop it on the torch? She tries to follow through with her plan, but her shaky hands were hard to control. Fuck me, she completely misses and the Crown of Thorns falls to the ground. The crowd starts to talk among themselves all confused, and Kevin grumbles loudly, "Stop playing games with me." Martin looks over at her, "What is wrong with you? Can you please just do it already?" Morgwen nods nervously and tries again.

Don't miss this time, she says to herself. Just as she is about to place the crown on Martin's head, she moves quickly and aims for the torch and the Crown of Thorns catches on fire. Kevin screams, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. You foolish girl! Do you know who I am?!" His vines start move and act aggressively.

The crowd scatters away in fear and Morgwen takes out her sword ready to defend herself. She sees numerous vines coming to attack, but luckily she is able to move quickly and dodge some of his moves. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Selene staying behind with her torch. She's not running away? Selene rushes over to help Morgwen and gives her some better visibility with the torch. 

Morgwen tries to aim at Kevin's trunk, but one of vines pulls her away and throws her across the ground. She gets hit and feels herself start to lose her strength. Selene yells at Morgwen encouraging her to get up, "Morgwen! Under the altar, there's an opening! Let's hide under there, quick!" They both sprint toward the altar and make it. However, with all of Kevin's vines moving, it causes a rock slide and closes the entrance. They're now completely trapped under the altar. 

Selene's torchlight goes out and they feel Kevin's vines moving beneath their feet and trapping their limbs, pinning them against the wall of the cave. His vines snake up along their necks, and soon their mouths and eyes are covered. Morgwen tries to wriggle around to break free, but there's no use. She can hear a muffled scream coming from Selene. I'm so sorry Selene, Morgwen gives up and lays completely still accepting defeat. 

"That's right, Morgwen. Submit to me!!!! MUAHAHAHA.”