Legends of Runeterra

"That is why we must retreat to Baru, the True One. We cannot save these vulgar people," the herald said. The stocky woman grinned, clearly unable to conceal her delight at the prospect of leaving Bilgewater.

“You’ve mentioned all this before,” Illaoi said, pacing around the stone table in the center of the room. She rolled her shoulders, relaxed her muscles, and suppressed a yawn.

Next to the preacher stood an elderly snake caller. He wore a robe woven from thick hemp ropes, each strand dyed indigo. The ropes were unevenly thick, rough and curly, and speckled with faded sea monster ink, creating the illusion that the old man was draped in a mass of tentacles. His face was covered in black tattoos, depicting the countless teeth of a sea monster's maw. Monks and snake callers always try to look intimidating. Most men have this tedious habit.

"The sacred beasts will not come near Bilgewater," the Serpentcaller gasped. "They are deep beneath the sea, far from the stench of the Slaughter Docks. At most, only starving young will answer our call."

Only the most powerful offspring of Nagakabouros can devour the fog and defend the city through the Harrowing Night. Other areas of the Serpent Isles do not have this problem.

This was another reminder to the cult of the profound ignorance of the people of Bilgewater. These land-based inhabitants never washed away the filth from the docks, instead establishing permanent anchorages along every shoal within the bay. Such folly. Many of the cult's clergy concluded that the common people had simply willingly let themselves be swallowed by the Black Mist.

"Bullshit," Illaoi said. If she was going to stay, she had to find a way to defend the city without sea serpents. She picked through the bowl of offerings until she found a mango. She needed a plan, and these two idiots were no match for it.

A loud crashing sound interrupted her thoughts. A heavy wooden door downstairs was smashed open.

Gangplank's voice roared up, his words muffled and unintelligible, echoing within the temple's stone walls.

"We fished him out, following your instructions," the oracle said with a smile, adjusting the emerald collar that symbolized her rank. "Perhaps we should return his energy to Nagakabouros?"

“No one has the right to judge the soul.”

“Yes, Truth One. And Nagakabouros has the right to judge.” The Snakecaller’s words cryptically reminded Illaoi that her view was biased.

Illaoi stepped between the two holy staff members, and they seemed to shrink in an instant. Even by islander standards, the Truth Seeker was tall. She had always towered over those around her, even the largest of the northerners. From a young age, she'd known she was different, always feeling like she'd accidentally bump into someone, but she finally understood. They should learn to stay out of my way when I walk.

She took the God-Si from its shelf. The golden statue was slightly larger than a wine barrel, yet weighed many times more. Her fingers felt the icy cold metal. The statue sat beside a blazing fire, the flames illuminating the room, yet the God-Si felt perpetually cold and damp. Illaoi lifted the heavy statue delicately onto her shoulders. For over a decade, the True One had never strayed more than two steps from the statue.

"Speaker, I have not forgotten my duty," Illaoi said as she headed downstairs. "We will not retreat to Baru. I will stop the Harrowing from here."

Since leaving Baru and coming here, this high priestess has done almost nothing but complain. But her complaints are not groundless.

When Gangplank's ship exploded, Illaoi's heart lurched. They had loved each other, years ago, and years ago, it had ended... but some of the feelings lingered. She had loved him... the fool, the old bastard.

The temple's high walls, constructed of interlocking stone, resembled the maw and fangs of a deep-sea monster. The temple's entrance, perched high above the bay, offered a bird's-eye view of the azure waters. Illaoi strode down the stairs and reached the main entrance. She felt compelled to give Gangplank a slap first; he was always overconfident and drunken. Still, it was a pleasure to see him.

Yet, the roaring, living thing at the temple's entrance had caught her completely off guard. She knew he was injured, but not so severely. He limped, unable to stand straight due to broken ribs. One arm, a mere scrap of flesh, waved futilely.

In his other hand, he swung a pistol, frantically trying to drive away the monks and priestesses in the house, completely forgetting that these people had saved his life by pulling him ashore just a few hours ago. Even more frustrating was that his pistol was obviously unloaded and could not hurt anyone at all.

“Where’s Illaoi?” he yelled.

"I'm here, Gangplank," she replied. "You look like shit."

Before he finished speaking, he had already fallen to his knees.

"It was Miss Fortune. It had to be her. In cahoots with those two sons of bitches. They sank my boat."

"I don't care about your boat," she said.

"You always tell me to keep going, to get back to the sea. I need a boat."

“All you need is a canoe to get out to sea.”

"This is my city!" he shouted.

The monks and priestesses around Gangplank were startled by his sudden outburst. They were shocked at Gangplank's folly. This temple had existed thousands of years before his city, and to act recklessly here was unwise enough. But a mere layman actually yelled at a thrice-blessed Truth One, right in her own temple? Anyone else would have been shattered at the knees and thrown into the sea.

"This is my city!" he roared again, spitting out angrily.

“So what do you want?” Illaoi said.

"I, I need Okao and the other leaders to support me. They will listen to you...as long as you ask. As long as you ask, they will help me." He lowered his head in front of her.

“What do you want?” Illaoi asked again, her voice rising.

"What can I do?" he said desperately. "She stole my boat, she killed my men, she broke my arm. What's left of me, I gave away on the way here."

"Stand back," Illaoi ordered the other clergy as they walked towards the main entrance. She looked down at Gangplank. The last time she saw him was ten years ago.