I had a vision – that is why I was sent here, to Cocendia and to this herd of rutting, excreting beasts. A vision of a flock of birds, nesting among dead trees. Among the roots of the trees, the birds fed upon still writhing corpses and drove off lurking carrion eaters that gathered in madness. And at the centre of these nests, within these trees, was a pathway to a realm of wonder, glory, redundancy and tranquillity.
And so here I am, a mere Deacon of the Cawing Carrion, leading a missionary congregation. This journey will either be my greatest success, or my damning failure. Should I succeed in manipulating these braying beasts into helping me unlock the secrets of this isle, I will return to the church a hero. Perhaps even a Saint, should I die in the endeavour. And if I fail? Well, who is to know?
—- An excerpt from the personal writings of Jeremius Dral, Deacon of the Cawing Carrion, Visionary of the Nest-Paths, head of the Esoteric Missionary Congregation of the Scattered Flocks, Seconded to the Excremental Herd Inner Circle of Advisors and Diplomats
