Chapter 21

As the Gods will

Upper Water Month, 1st day, 20.00

Raymond looked at those present. Only a soft light from a few candles on either side of the table thinned the darkness of the room. The symbols of the Six Great Gods were watching them from the top of the ceiling, like protective angels.

Each of them casts sidelong glances at their neighbors, wondering who would be the first to speak.

Procrastination would have been futile, yet they foolishly believed they could put off that thorny issue until a later time. As if there was no such thing as a national emergency at the gates.

The Scripture Commander went over in his head the speech he had written in his brain. By now he had lost count of how many times he had simulated that discussion in his imagination, but the man still did not feel quite ready to face it in reality.

"It is useless to waste any more time." In the end, it was Ioannes Amram Elohim, supreme Pontifex of the Slaine Theocracy, who broke the silence. "You all know why we are here. To say that the situation is critical would be an understatement. I will spare no dramatic tones. We must find a solution, and as soon as possible."

"How much are the losses?" Dominic asked, his gaze shifty and lost in the void.

"No survivors, except for a few dozen low-ranking soldiers." Gaius Copernicus Lavenza, Grand Marshal of the Theocracy, did not even attempt to sweeten the pot.

This was no time to get lost in unnecessary pleasantries. Finding a plan of action was the top priority. Even if it had to mean draining their every resource. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

"I don't think there are many alternatives left," the Earth Cardinal had finally decided to voice his opinion. "We knew this moment was near. We just didn't expect it to arrive so soon. Only the girl can end this war now. It's time to end this age-old conflict."

Everyone, Cardinals and department heads alike, knew who Raymond was talking about. After all, there were not many other alternatives left.

But doubt continued to breed in the minds of some.

"Is there really no other alternative? What if we tried to use the sacred relic left to us by the Six Great Gods? We could manipulate the elf king's mind and order him to commit suicide." Berenice proposed with an unwarranted tinge of optimism.

The only woman to serve in the ranks of the Cardinals did not seem entirely convinced to play it all out in a direct confrontation.

'You can tell she was a former member of the Holocaust Scriptures.' Raymond thought. 'But that's not what we need right now.'

"This could work. But there are several problems. First, we're not sure if the effects of Downfall of Castle and Country will work on our target. Let's pretend it did, we would still have to prepare an adequate team to allow Lady Kaire to get close enough to him to allow her to use the sacred object. You will agree with me that only one person would be suitable for the task."

No one dared to contradict him. After ascertaining that there were no objections, he was able to express what he actually thought. "Besides, that girl's reason for living is none other than to kill her father. I believe that after years of faithful service, it is our duty to at least try to make her wish a reality."

The former Black Scripture member knew well that in front of the interests of the state, there was no room for sentimentality. But as an old comrade of the half-elf, he felt compelled to respect her wishes. After all, he was certain that his old companion would never be satisfied if she could not prove her superiority against the hated parent.

"Even if we were to send her into the open field, what are the certainties that she would be able to win? Aren't we in danger of losing one of our trump cards?" The doubts of Yvon, Cardinal of Light, were justified. There were no guarantees that the extra seat would succeed against her father and his army of monsters.

"She will win," Raymond had no doubts. "And I will personally assemble a team with the best members of the Black Scriptures to ensure her safety should things take a turn for the worse. Believe me, I've seen that girl fight. Defeating an army of fifty thousand men? Impressive, indeed absolutely ridiculous. Outside of any logic. But..." He caught his breath as he tried to read the expressions of his compatriots. "For that girl is nothing special. Even overpowering an army of a hundred thousand men would be an easy feat for her."

Everyone remained silent. At least from that point of view, he seemed to have convinced them. Now that their defenses were lowered came the hard part.

"Nevertheless, there is another issue we need to address."

In truth, Raymond would have expected a few quizzical looks after that cryptic statement. His expectations were disappointing, instead, for what he was referring to was clear in everyone's mind.

"Argland and Platinum Dragon Lord," Cardinal Zinedine preceded him.

"Exactly," by now the Dragon Emperor's son was a cross and delight that thwarted their every plan only with his looming threat. If they wanted to send their secret weapon out into the open, outside their borders, they had to appeal to the clemency of the puppeteer behind their historic rival. "This is precisely why I have a proposal to succeed in unblocking the situation."

As he had finally obtained the curiosity he had expected, the Cardinal of Earth pondered whether to leave them on their toes a little bit before outlining his plan. He opted to be clear and concise.

"An alliance."

Silence.

That one simple word, he was certain, had brought more upset than any speech he could have engaged in.

The effigy of the Six Great Gods tilted slightly. Who could tell whether it was a sign of doom or a good omen?

"With our army halved and General Bulgari engaged in the south, it will take us years before we can gain a modicum of stability," Gaius explained, as he pulled out some maps illustrating the edges of the Theocracy. "Leaving aside the Evasha Forest, we barely have enough troops to protect our frontiers. Our country has never been more vulnerable, and the Republic of Argland knows this well. There is no point in fooling ourselves; by now the news of our defeat will have reached all the neighboring nations."

"I know," Raymond countered, sustaining the gaze of the Grand Marshal fixedly. "That is precisely why we will have to leverage our common goal and provide mutually beneficial terms."

"You mean..."

"That's right, Berenice. Kill the elf king and end the slave trade."

"Ridiculous." They all replied in unison. Only the Pontifex remained silent. The highest office of the Theocracy crossed his arms, pondering the issue before him. Raymond prayed that he was in favor, as his support would make it much easier to convince the others.

"Think about it. Even if we were to continue with the slave trade, we still would not have the means to be able to carry it on without the troops in the forest. And now that we don't even have an army to support, we can do without those extra funds."

"The previous Cardinal, Carnesio, put these ideas in your head, didn't he?" Posing the question was Ioannes himself. His small red eyes seemed to peer into the depths of Raymond's heart.

"I cannot deny that my predecessor and I discussed at length what the best course of action might be. I believe this is the choice that will prove most beneficial in the long run." Replied the former member of the black scriptures, trying to appear as confident as possible.

"It will be difficult but I believe that from a legal point of view, it should not be impossible to reshape our laws to prohibit slavery," Maximilian, who had taken the floor for the first time since the beginning of the discussion, looked at the heads of the legislative and judicial sections who sat to his left and right respectively. After they had given their assent, he continued. "However, what on the plane of law may be justified does not always find correspondence in the souls of men."

"After centuries of regarding elves as an inferior race, we cannot expect our citizens to change their minds overnight," Dominic interjected, still uncertain about the soundness of that proposal.

"I realize it is a difficult challenge that lies ahead. But as leaders of the Theocracy, it is our duty to lay down sacrifices for the future of our sacred nation. The elves were once our allies, and while I realize it is optimistic to hope to mend fences, diminishing our enemies cannot be a bad choice. Not least because..." He was not sure if it was time to introduce that part of his speech. In truth, there was another reason why he wanted to end the conflicts with the elves.

Berenice, noticing that something was troubling her fellow Cardinal, urged him to confide. "There is something you still have to report to us, isn't there?"

"Given the flurry of news that has caught us off guard the last few days, I have not yet had time to relay a report I received from Captain Nigun regarding the situation in the Draconic Kingdom," he took a moment to catch his breath. Raymond certainly did not want to make tempers even tenser, but it was his duty to report what was brought to his attention. "The alliance of our troops repelled the attack. But it seems that the Beastmen managed to eliminate the Dominion Authority we had provided to the Sunlight Scriptures."

No one dared to comment. Producing one of those angels required an incalculable deployment of resources and the chances of success were slim. The loss was another blow dealt to their finances and morale.

"It means that those demi-humans have such forces that they can eliminate one of our trump cards. What's the expression? Trouble never comes alone." Commented the head of the magic branch, bewildered and worried that anyone could survive the Dominion Authority's spells.

"Do you have a plan for that too Raymond?"

"For the time being I think it is desirable to send some members of the Black Scripture defense and wait for the situation to develop. Aeneas, the captain, should be able to eliminate any danger that could arise from the demihumans. We will also have to push the young emperor to provide more troops to the cause. If the Draconic Kingdom were to fall, then it would be up to the Baharut Empire to deal with this threat."

Raymond had said all he had to say. Now all he could do was wait for the response of his peers. Decisions were made by mutual agreement, after all. Only once unanimity was achieved could they pursue their plans.

"I support Raymond's proposal." Berenice was the first to agree with him.

"Me too."

"Count me in agreement."

One after another, all the other Cardinals, the Grand Marshal, and the department heads gave their assent to the plans outlined by the Scripture commander.

Only the Pontifex had yet to give his opinion.

"Raymond, are you sure of your decision?"

"Quite sure. I don't think there is any alternative."

"You remind me of a young Carnesio. Ready to fight end to end for what he believes in." Ioannes muttered something between his teeth, the meaning of which, however, did not escape the Cardinal of Earth. "My friend, it seems that in the end you were right and I was wrong."

"Okay," he continued. "Count me in agreement. But we must act with caution. To begin with, Maximilian, are you ready to take charge of the negotiations with Argland?"

The Cardinal of Darkness adjusted his thick glasses, slightly embarrassed to be the center of attention.

"Of course. If the others don't mind leaving me in charge, I will form a diplomatic corps as quickly as possible," no one had anything to counter. "Perfect. I'd say we should get started as soon as possible."

"Good," the Pontifex retook the word. "Cardinal Lauransan, take care of the division of Scripture. Grand Marshal, make use of Cardinals Partouche and Guelfi to recruit and train new soldiers. Cardinal Santini, and Cardinal Delacroix, you will help me understand how to convince the population to convert to the new ways. It will not be easy..." The elder's wrinkles, a symbol of his experience and wisdom, furrowed on his forehead. "But we will succeed. It is the will of the Gods. And we will lend a small hand to fate."

They took their leave, more ready than ever to fulfill their tasks.

All for the good of the Theocracy.

Upper Water Month, 10th day, 8.00

"You have made up your mind, then. Your pick turned out to be Nekole's armor."

Antilene looked at her old master as she gently stroked the sacred equipment stored in the treasure room with her right arm. "My father uses an earth elemental, by all accounts. The Wind God's armor will be perfect for protection against his attacks."

"Don't think that summoning is the only weapon at the king's disposal. Don't let arrogance lead you to make a fatal mistake." Condescension? No, genuine concern. Rufus, as detached as he was from anything that could have been called 'human,' displayed attitudes typical of a worried old parent, unable to let his offspring take flight.

"I know, I know," replied the half-elf, deep down delighted at the undead's continued attention to her. "I have lived this encounter a thousand times in my mind. Every minutest detail has been explored to the best of my ability. I am ready."

"In addition to the elf king, there are also the forest lords to face. And moving through that maze of trees will not be easy. You will have to have your guard up at all times to avoid nasty surprises."

"I will be as careful as I have ever been in my life. You don't need to worry. After all, I won't be alone." Although Antilene had yet to be briefed on the composition of the team, Raymond warned her that she would not venture into Evasha Forest alone.

Nevertheless, the girl had been adamant that there should be no interruptions during the confrontation with her father.

To get rid of troublesome elves, however, a few extra hands would not have been entirely unwelcome.

"I see," Rufus had accepted her answer. To be honest, Antilene still had no clear idea what the patron deity's opinion on the matter was. She was an open book to him, but the reverse was not as true. "How do you feel?"

It was ... strange.

You wait your whole life for a certain moment to come. And when the time finally arrives, the only thing you can think is that it's just a dream. A trick of the mind. Some jester's prank done to your detriment.

"I feel bewildered. I always thought that as soon as I was finally assigned to kill that monster I would burst with joy. That I would not be able to sleep from excitement. But instead..." Antilene felt slightly intimidated to show those feelings that she thought were unnatural. The fear of seeming ungrateful had been with her for the past couple of days, and she did not feel comfortable expressing those intimate emotions. But if there was anyone she could trust, it was certainly her old tutor. "I feel calm. It's surreal. My body seemed to have abandoned all signs of disturbance. As if it had achieved an imperturbable inner balance."

"And does that make you uncomfortable?" Rufus asked her, the sapphires in the mask he wore that day glowing bright cobalt.

"All my life there has been anger growing inside me. Fueled by my mother's hatred. I thought hers was a tough but sincere love. For the first years of my life, it was the only form of affection I knew. Avenging her broken honor was my only duty, my life's meaning." The Black Scripture ace ran a hand over her lips, which were beginning to moisten slightly. "Who am I doing all this for? For my mother? For the Theocracy? For myself? I think that after killing my father I will finally be able to find the answer I have been searching for so long. And that scares me, I won't lie. But at the same time, it's exciting to know what the future holds for me. Maybe I will finally be able to see the dawn of a new day with different eyes."

It was just the two of them in the room. The world seemed to have shrunk to those four walls. The sacred items of the Six Gods their only company.

"Remember what you said when you discovered your talent?" Rufus unlocked a memory for her. How many years had passed? One hundred and thirty? One hundred and forty? By now she had lost count.

"That now killing my father would not be impossible." Antilene still had vivid thoughts in her mind about the first time she had discovered her amazing talent that granted the ability to use [The Goal of All Life is Death] and all the other skills of the Gods. How happy she had been that day. Perhaps one of the most cherished memories of a sad childhood.

"Before that."

The half-elf didn't understand. What was her old master referring to? She returned with her memory to that day, but found nothing interesting.

"You really don't remember?" He urged her. But no matter how hard she tried, there was a void in her head.

"I certainly can't say I know what you're talking about." The half-elf quickly shook her head, to show her confusion.

"You apologized because you thought you had caused some disaster." Explained the first disciple of Surshana.

"Oh..." Was that the case? Her mind had made a clean slate of the matter. "I can't understand what you are trying to say, though."

Rufus went into his personal library, only to return with a small journal in his hand.

"A frightened, perpetually sad-looking child, who fails to make treasure of the gifts bestowed upon her. That was my first impression of you."

Antilene was seized with emotion, thinking back to her former self.

"Your mother was my greatest failure," Rufus confessed. He seemed to have lifted a weight that had gripped him since time immemorial. "I consider each of you Godkin the most precious legacy left to me by my creators. But towards your mother, I was never able to alleviate the suffering she carried in her heart. If I had acted differently perhaps, she would have been able to find the longed-for peace. And you ... would have some sweeter memories to carry in your heart."

Was that what was bothering him?

"Not true. If you hadn't been there, I wouldn't have... I could not have asked for a better teacher." She smiled at him, hoping that that awkward gesture was enough to bring relief to his soul. Could the undead feel sadness and regret? After all those years she still could not give herself a satisfactory answer. But she liked to believe that the answer was positive. "A world without having met you would have been far less interesting and fun."

The girl laid her gaze on the object in her hands. "Is that my mother's biography you wrote?"

"No, not really," the undead opened the pages of the manuscript, to show them to Antilene. "This is a rare heirloom. It's the diaries of one of the first followers of the Six Great Gods. Elisa was her name. It contains many notes and impressions about the early periods of the birth of the Theocracy. I think it is time for you to read it. That way, when it is all over, you can make your decision with knowledge of what the history of this nation and its people truly is."

"Why now? I have studied the history of the Theocracy and the Gods to death." Her eyebrows could not help but rise in confusion. "What does it say here that I don't already know?"

"For starters," Rufus placed the book in the half-elf's hands, taking care not to crease it. It must have been very valuable, judging by the care with which he handled it. "Having a way to keep your mind distracted for the long journey ahead can't hurt. Rest is important, too. Besides..." he hesitated. It was rare not to see him confident. "At the time I was not very interested in the affairs of mankind. I think observing the efforts of your peers back in the day might help you when the time comes."

"The time for what?"

"To make your choice."

"Choice?"

"The one you will have to make once you have completed your revenge."

"... Thank you." Antilene had put off that moment until now. But once he had completed her task, the debt she owed to the Theocracy would be repaid. And then she would have to decide whether to return to her task as guardian of humanity or to take a new path, a different one. "Rufus. I... I don't want to disappoint you."

"Antilene," he embraced her. He had never been the first to initiate physical contact. "Whatever your decision is, I will respect it. Just come back safe and sound. My child."

"I will... Dad!"

Place: ?

Time: ?

Granz Loker was finally home. Her studio was the only place where she truly felt at home. She could get lost for days on end studying magic scrolls collected from every corner of the globe, conducting experiments to invent new magic, and savoring the taste of success after countless attempts.

After all, when one is an undead with an infinite lifespan, time loses all meaning.

And she needed to lose herself for months-maybe even years-in her research. After all that time spent in the outside world, the abandoned city that served as her domain was the oasis of peace she sought.

'It should all be on its way by now. We will soon be able to take a closer look at how Kunivela was defeated.'

Members of Corpus of the Abyss tended to avoid attracting too much attention, unlike the other three night liches who had decided to reveal themselves to the outside world of mortals.

This was because, above hating the living, what interested the members of the secret organization was progressing with their study of magic.

The disappearance of one of their most distinguished members had been the catalyst that ended their differences and led to a new beginning based on collaboration to achieve their goals, more than a century ago.

Shedding light on Kunivela's death was not a way to satisfy a foolish thirst for revenge. It was just a way to be able to peer even deeper into the depths of magic.

"Your Lordship Loker," one of her guards distracted her from her thoughts, entering the room with a concerned air. "Sorry to disturb you."

"No worry," she had no problem being lenient with her subordinates. And although she was irritated by that disturbance, the woman was aware that a particular reason had prompted that wight to act. "What's bothering you so much?"

The living had trouble understanding the emotions that gripped the undead. But to her, it was child's play. All she had to do was pay attention to the aura they gave off. The smell was unmistakable.

"A summons has come from The Abyss. He requests your presence as soon as possible."

"I understand." Her plans would have to wait. A pity. But duty took precedence. "I will teleport as soon as possible. You may go. You already know how to behave in my absence."

"Yes, ma'am. Leave everything in our hands."

Seeing him leave, Granz reflected on how lucky she had been to have found such efficient subordinates. Not having to worry about the administration of her small kingdom when she was away made everything easier.

With [Teleport] magic, it did not take her long to reach her destination. It was a castle located in a secret place, the existence of which was known only to a select few. Death traps made it virtually impossible for outsiders to approach.

Arriving at the entrance, it did not take her long to notice that something was strange.

For starters, there was an eerie silence. Not that the place usually teemed with deafening noises, but the servants of their host, Benezeri Anches, used to at least pay some homage to their guests.

Also, the guards. The garrison, usually manned by numerous high-level undead creatures, was completely unmanned.

Inside the Palace, the situation was no different. Was she the only one of the members who had arrived? Usually, Granz was one of the last, but the other members did not seem to have preceded her this time.

Even Benezeri, The Abyss, the one who had organized the meeting, seemed to have vanished.

'Okay, this is ridiculous. How is it possible that no one is here?'

She continued to wander the corridors of the building, continuing to be uneasy. A living person would have found discouragement in thinking that in those dark corners, one might find a specter or wraith ready to attack them. Granz found, on the other hand, disquiet in being completely alone.

'A trap? Perhaps Benezeri wants to take over my research. Should I go back? When I return, I may find my territory completely ransacked.'

When the unliving woman had now made up her mind to go back, she popped up in what might have been called the throne room of the old palace.

Large and spacious, it could have accommodated hundreds of people without any problems. In ancient times it had probably been the scene of lavish receptions where nobility and kings met to exchange knowledge and strengthen their ties.

Now it was just a dark place where cobwebs had found the perfect environment to thrive. It was not the first time Granz had been to that place, as it was the area usually reserved for their meetings.

To her relief, as she entered, she saw that her colleagues were waiting for her in the center of the room, seated on either side of a long round table.

"Finally," she said heartately. "I thought you were making fun of me."

No response came.

"Hey, are you okay?" She called attention by raising her voice, but Benezeri and the others continued to pretend not to notice her. It was starting to be annoying.

"If you don't want to answer me, it will mean that..."

"Welcome, Granz Loker!"

It was then that she realized that the other Corpus members were not ignoring her out of some silly whim, but because they could not do otherwise.

A pair of violet eyes, shining like amethysts, peered at her in the shadows behind the old throne. An odor she knew too well tickled her nostrils.

Judging by the height from which they stared at her, the body of the mysterious interlocutor must have been very tall. But the undead enchantress could make out no other details, for the obscurity of the room prevented her from getting an accurate view.

'This darkness is not natural, is it the aid of some magic? Perhaps I can try to dispel it.'

Granz tried casting a spell to make light, but it was at that moment that she realized she was completely paralyzed.

"What on earth have you done to me?" A paralysis spell? To be able to counter all her protections would have required a spell so strong to defy common sense. 'Only a ninth-tier spell could do that to me. Could it be that this mysterious assailant was able to reach it? Or... that it is not tier magic at all?'

"No need to worry," the voice was deep, mellifluous. Free of imperfections or accents. "I don't want to hurt you. Your comrades have already agreed to become part of my dependencies. Only you are missing now."

'I wonder how willingly they agreed to become your subordinates, monster!' Not much, judging by their lack of reaction.

"What makes you think I will agree to work for you?"

"... I have been watching you for some time. We have a common goal, although you wouldn't know it." A pause. That he was testing a possible reaction from her? "Those I want to kill have ended up in your sights, and as furious as it makes me admit it, I need your help if I am to triumph."

"So, you are also interested in the girl and her father. But why?" Leaving aside how that voice shrouded in mystery could know of the existence of what must have been a secret that only a few knew, what was his motivation for doing all this?

"That is a secret I cannot reveal but," the voice became more wrathful and filled with hatred. "There is a very important reason why they must die."

Revenge? Judging by the emotions the being was displaying it was plausible. But it did not seem to be the only reason.

"We don't want to kill them. Only to study them. What makes you think our interests align?" She didn't care that much, but she had to stall while she found a way to free herself.

Her body was still not listening to her input, but with enough time she would find a countermove. She was one of the most skilled spellcasters in the world, and there was no magic she couldn't counter.

"Oh, it's simple," she felt those deep violet eyes peering closer and closer at her as the darkness of the room continued to advance. "If you won't do it, I'll have to use more... persuasive."

Only when the room was completely enveloped in darkness could the woman finally give the figure an outline. And when Granz realized what she was facing she screamed, for there was nothing else left for her to do.