Chapter 7: Absolution

Uneasily, the rats stood at the sewer's exit. Terror had taken hold of their hearts and minds. No one willing to brave the step that separated the safe from the dead.

"You have nothing to fear, my children. No harm shall befall you in my wake. However, only the faithful will I lead. You who are incredulous and doubtful, stay hidden. Three days and three nights you have to endure before you surface, for the gods will smite those who won't heed my warning. After this, I promise normality will resume."

Verus ignored the skeptical chatter and stepped out into the morning light.

"Come, you all who still hold the saint's promise in your hearts. Paradise awaits."

Rattonius' vision, still vivid and alive, dispelled the rats' uncertainty, pushing them forward. Rattonius' acolytes, the Black Rats, and the caged traitor king all followed in pursuit of his new vessel.

"Greetings, blessed rat. Lockwood is my name. I've come to escort you on my lord's command."

The rats squealed at the sight of the duke and his entourage. Fresh were the memories of battle, and panic began its campaign. Short-lived it was, as Verus called out to the crowd.

"Hold on to your faith. For as long as you do, no anguish will befall you. Trust in the saint's vision and witness its glory with your own eyes."

Witness they did, as their leader followed the duke wordlessly. His knights raising neither claw nor paw as they escorted the caravan to its destination.

Chests beating in nervous ecstasy slowly calmed, and the warm morning rays bathed the unlikely procession in serenity.

"It's a miracle," called Ratavian.

"A miracle," echoed the crowd.

"Blessed be the Saint, for he has not abandoned us," the Black Rats chimed in.

And for the moment, everyone rejoiced.

They walked far through alleys and backyards, taking shortcuts over roofed sheds and under small bridges, and finally came to a stop before a stream.
Waves crashed against the shore and partially submerged boulders, the gentle breeze and spray they carried offering a well-deserved refreshment after the long march.

"Quench your thirst, everyone. Paradise awaits, and it's not much farther."

The rats did as they were commanded, and even the knights joined in, Lockwood's nod permitting a moment of respite. The image of rat and cat drinking shoulder to shoulder warmed even Ratavian's heart. In tears, he was set free and joined his brethren.

"My doubts seem to have been misplaced, Pius Verus. You are indeed a rat of your word."

Lockwood bent his forelegs and knelt down as Heathcliff stepped onto the scene. The cat nobles behind, followed by their elite guards.

"Well met, King. I see you've managed to unite the nobles," Verus said, ignoring the scorn coming from the now one-eyed Duke Linton, who had spearheaded the revolt.

"And you are sure about this, Verus? With you leading, perhaps the mischief will find reason."

Verus shook his head and prepared his speech.

"My fellow rats, in your short lives you have witnessed more than most rats will ever experience in a lifetime. You found a new heir, welcomed him as your messiah, and even after his death, you still chose to follow his word."

They stared at Verus, their beady eyes boggling in delight.

"However, the one you follow was neither god nor king. A rat was he, and nothing more. You elevated him, burdened him with ancient hopes and fears, drove him mad, and killed him."

Sensing the unease, the cats made their move. Closing in on the encircled believers.

"Yet you have not learned your lesson. Blindly you followed empty promises and splendid bravado, just as you did toward the battlefield that took my father from me. Rat is rat and cat is cat. Such is the nature of our existence, and I've gathered you all to restore this natural order."

Rats were now climbing atop one another as the noose was pulled tighter with every step the knights took.

"I won't ask for forgiveness, but issue a final order to you of unyielding faith: die. Die so ratkind can be free. Free from gods and kings, free from legends and myths, free from fear and hunger."

With that Verus pulled off his crown and tossed it into the stream.

"See you all in paradise."

Turning to Heathcliff, Verus gave the order, and the massacre ensued. One after another, the rats were felled. Some tried to escape into the waters, its embrace worse than the sharp claws of their short-lived allies. Crushed against the rocks, dragged across the creek bed, or pulled under by the currents, none were able to escape until only one remained.

"A nostalgic sight this is," Heathcliff remarked, recalling his first encounter with Rattonius.

"You and he are not so different, you know."

Verus sat upon the shore, his fur drinking from the bloodshed he had orchestrated.

"And it is for that reason I have to depart from my kin, for the doors to paradise wont open for a rat like me. End my legacy now, King of Cats. Make sure of my death, for sorrow and vengeance are seeping into my heart. Were I to return, a new war would break out instead of this peace paid for in blood."

Lockwood stepped forward at Heathcliff's hesitancy, but was held back by him.

"This is my burden to carry. Had I heeded my father's wisdom, he may very well be alive. This is my first true act as King and Protector of the Wynds."

Verus looked out across the waves, and on the other side, shining in divine light, a rat stood and beckoned him over.

"Thank you, my lord, for your absolution. I shall join you at once, my Saint, my King."