And so, Svarog and Žmij went to a Whisperer, and as they walked side by side – living fire and living rock – every creature trembled and wailed in terror. Only Dolya’s servant dared to meet them, so he stood in their way with a whisper on his lips and a divine artifact in his hand.

But the spells could not harm Žmij, for Dolya’s whispers could not harm the heart of Veles or the blood of Mokosh. And since Žmij did not trouble people or threaten the balance of the world, the Whisperer dared not use the artifact against him. If he did, he would break his oath to Dolya.

And so, Žmij snatched the artifact from his hand, swallowed it, and spoke in the human tongue:

“I am the creation of Veles and Mokosh, the first among Horrors and the prince of this world. Fall at my feet and perish or follow me and live.”

And the Whisperer knew it to be true and followed his new master.