Sermon 15

There was a war with the Northern men soon after Ayem's ascension. It is tedious to say how it all happened. Vivec and Nerevar were dispatched to cut off the interloper's hoary beards. This is not relevant. After much conflict, Nerevar returned to Ayem to speak of his victory. He met her at a mountain temple, open to the sky.

"Mother," he said, bowing. "The Northern men are undone. Vivec and I have scattered them."

And Ayem smiled, though this did not please her.

"You have done well, Nerevar. Stand."

They embraced, and an old wolf witnessed this. He wore many-spiked armour, and carried a great sword whose name is difficult to write in symbols.

"Are you the one who offers her love freely?" said the wolf.

And Ayem inclined her head. "This is so."

"I have a question for you. Now I reach the end of my days, I wonder, is there a heaven and a hell?"

Ayem looked over the wolf and said, "Are you a warrior?"

He nodded.

"I find this doubtful; your armour is ill-fitting and rusty. More apt for a clown playing the part not meant for him."

And Nerevar did gasp at the words. The wolf growled.

"I have heard the last breath of a thousand men, and you deny me my right?"

Ayem laughed. "Oh grey-muzzled one, if you continue to lie, you'll give truth a bellyache."

And the wolf drew his blade. "Rescind your statement."

Nerevar rushed to defend his mistress, but she brushed him aside. "A cobbled-together thing, too blunt to cut butter."

Howling, the wolf prepared to slice off Ayem's head.

"That way lies hell."

The wolf blinked, sheathed his sword.

"And that way lies heaven. It cannot be reached through violence."

And the wolf grinned, hugged himself. He threw off his cloak, becoming what he always was. He runs free even now, hiding in the hearts of the hungry.

Nerevar watched this with wide eyes. "Mistress, is what you say true?"

"Indeed, and this was a victory which cannot be won on any battlefield."

Then did Vivec arrive, liveried in reams of prayer-scratched parchment.

"Why do you not join the festivities, dear sister?"

"What festivities do you speak of?"

And Vivec smiled. "Nerevar united the Gold Ones and Deep Ones in their hatred of the Other. Together they drove out the Northmen. His legions, drunk on blood, have proclaimed him Hortator."

Ayem knew this, but she needed it to be spoken. "What do you with this power Nerevar?"

And he knelt. "I am lost."

Ayem laid her hand upon his head. "Then you are ready to learn."

The ending of the words is ALMSIVI.