Back on the streets again, I realized I didn’t actually know where the temple was. I wandered in the direction I thought it might be, trying to peer over the buildings looking for its small steeple. After five minutes, I gave up and asked a passer-by. Thankfully, he was more than happy to direct me and ten minutes later I was climbing the steps to the Temple of Devotion.

Meria was waiting for me at the entranceway, which I found slightly disturbing. “She seemed happy to see me, which is always a nice effect to have on people.

“Bloody hell, Meria. How long have you been waiting for me?”

“Not long. The Mother sent me down when she sensed your approach.”

“I don’t know if I feel better or worse knowing that information,” I smirked. “So, what now?”

“The mother is expecting you, though everyone is at prayer right now. Would you like some refreshments, Clive?”

“No thanks, I’m good.”

“Very well. I know you’re leaving tomorrow. This could be the last time I see you, so I want you to know that I will be praying for your success in defeating the curse, or removing the arm before it spreads.”

“Thank you. I hope I do too,” I laughed. “After that, we’ll be looking for a way back home and I hope that brings me back to Laurel. It’s a beautiful, friendly town you have here.”

Meria clapped her hands excitedly. “I hope you come back here, too! I’d imagine Priestess Descar will be glad of the company on the return trip.”

“What the what now?” I asked in confusion.

“Priestess Descar will most likely appreciate an escort back to Laurel.”

“Ahem,” came the sound of an unhappy Priestess. I looked behind me to the source of the sound, to see Elsbeth standing in a door opening at the back of the temple entrance hall, listening to our discussion.

I suddenly felt awkward after how our last meeting. I honestly thought she’d keep out of my way on this visit. Now apparently, she was coming with us on the journey.

“Meria. I will stay with Clive now. We have things to discuss,” she said firmly.

“Of course, priestess. Uhm, may I give him the jumper?”

“You got me a jumper?” I asked surprised, which helped reduce the simmering tension in the room.

“Yes, I made it in a similar style to the one you wear. It’s different material though. I have no idea what yours is made with and my stitching is not quite as good either, but it’s still a good jumper if you’ll have it.”

“You actually made it?” I said in amazement. Even if it was a sack of shit, I’d take it happily, on the basis that it was one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for me. “Of course I’ll bloody have it. Come on then, show me,” I said, just as excited as Meria. Elsbeth remained neutral. I didn’t care. A new hoodie was always a special moment under normal circumstances.

She pulled a parcel from a shelf in a nearby alcove and presented it to me proudly. I had a momentary pang of guilt that I had nothing to give in return, but I promised myself on my return, that I would get the young acolyte something nice.

Opening the parcel I found a blue hoodie, the same dark blue that adorned both Elsbeth and Meria’s robes. It was a fine, smooth material, rougher than silk but not by much. I made an effort not to overly analyse the seams, but as far as I could tell they were perfect, despite Meria’s self-deprecation. As I touched the material, the details of it came to life.

Hoodie of Devotion.

Rarity: Unique Item.

Defence: + 1

Magical Resistance: +5 (+20 to dark aligned powers)

Attributes: Blinded by Devotion: Scrying and other detection spells will not work whilst Hoodie is equipped.

Warning: Effect does not apply to detection spells cast by a follower of Devotion.

“Holy Cow! Does this mean what I think it means?”

“If you think it means your presence will be hidden from the spells of the demons who hunt you, then yes, that’s what it means,” Meria said excitedly.

“I’ll need to speak to Mal as soon as I see him and see if he can still pick me up on his map.”

“It will work just fine,” Meria said a little dejectedly. “The mother and Priestess Descar added the enchantment. I just made the jumper.”

“I didn’t mean that I didn’t trust the enchantment, Meria. I’m just excited about testing it out!”

“Ah, I see. It’s amazing isn’t it?”

“It really is. I don’t know how I can repay all of your kindness.”

“Beat the curse. Stay alive,” Meria replied. “I will consider that payment enough.”

“As will I,” Elsbeth said in a neutral tone that did nothing to communicate if she meant it or not.

I decided to take it at face value, rather than overthinking. I smiled at them both warmly, then attempted to pull my raggedy ass hoodie off with one hand. I had a momentary flare of self-consciousness about being bare chested, as I awkwardly pulled the hoodie over my head where it got stuck.

But then they had both assisted in my recovery, so it wasn’t like they were seeing anything new. I kept tugging and my cursed arm started to hurt. I hadn’t even tried to get the sleeve past it yet.

I was relieved when a pair of hands landed on the top of the hoodie and pulled forcefully.

Back in the daylight, I saw Elsbeth shaking her head with a slight smile, holding my old hoodie. I was most impressed that she’d pulled it past my arm so quick that I barely felt pain.

I managed to slip the new hoodie on without too much help and it fit like a dream. It felt so light compared to my Nike one, yet it was still warm and comforting.

“This is amazing,” I said admiring it happily.

Meria clapped excitedly. “I’m glad you like it, Clive.”

“Okay, Meria. You may leave us now,” Elsbeth said suddenly all humor gone.

I felt bad for Meria. Elsbeth was clearly not in a good mood. Meria took the hint and hurried from the entrance hall waving and shouting goodbye over her shoulder to me the whole time. Once she had gone, I looked back to Elsbeth. She wasn’t facing me, though.

“Will it be a problem with me accompanying you?” she said, staring at a point on the stone walls.

“I would have thought the question would be, do you have a problem coming with us? Why are you coming, anyway? What’s changed?”

“The Mother wanted someone to pass on a message to Natom Hilgresh. As I am the only one here to have met him, other than the mother who knew him well. It falls to me to deliver that message.”

“You met this guy? What’s he like?” I asked intrigued.

“I was a child. I cannot remember him well.”

“So you don’t actually know him. Couldn’t I have just passed the message on for her?”

“He will know me and know I can be trusted. The message is to ask him to at least hear you out. Otherwise, he most likely wouldn’t even entertain you.”

“Fair enough. I’ll trust to yours and the Mother’s wisdom on that.”

“The Mother is ready,” Elsbeth said abruptly. I was confused as to how she would know that, but our conversation wasn’t exactly running smoothly. So I just followed her further into the temple, in silence.

We descended some narrow stairs, going into a basement. When we left the stair well, we were inexplicably surrounded by windows and daylight. Taking a quick peak out, I could see the town of Laurel below. It seemed we had somehow gone down to the top of the tower. Not a bad plan for retirement, I thought.

I scanned the room next, to see who I assumed was the mother. She was far younger than I’d have expected. At least she looked far younger. Who could tell in this world.

She had light-brown shoulder length hair, and a face more handsome than beautiful. She was almost as tall and as broad as me, and she watched me with the eyes of a hunting wolf. I checked out the tag above her head.

Daughter of Devotion: Gretel Quensela. Nephilim, level 90.

The only other level ninety I’d seen was the one who’d saved our bacon when we entered this world. I pretty much realised exactly how big of a deal level 90 was now.

“An interesting identify skill you and your friends have been blessed with,” she said in a strong, resonating voice.

“Yeah, apparently it’s uncommon, and apparently you know everything,” I replied. Esbeth hissed at me. “Show some respect.”

“Sorry, sorry. Apparently, you know everything, Gretel,” I rephrased and Elsbeth finally looked directly at me. Her face was uncannily red, and not with embarrassment this time. I looked away from her to check out the mother’s reaction. She was smiling, at least.

“You know, that is rather disrespectful, Clive. I’m ninety-nine percent certain that you know it is, too. But then I’m ninety percent certain that you weren’t trying to get a rise out of me.” She said, casting her eyes over the very frustrated Elsbeth. “I hope Priestess Descar’s company on your trip isn’t going to be too big of an issue for you?”

“I wouldn’t have thought so,” I said. “She won’t even look at me since I asked her out for dinner. I did ask what expectations were put on a priestess, first!”

“How very conscientious of you Clive. What did Priestess Descar tell you regarding our oaths.

“Nothing. She made like a banana and split.”

The mother laughed and I felt a little bad for Elsbeth.

“You are a strange man, Clive. Your multiple alignment in particular is of interest to me. I believe the dark, is purely from your affliction. But even so. To have a light alignment and not worship a deity from Falritas is very mysterious.”

“Yeah, I picked that up on that, too. I’ve no idea what any of it means before you ask.”

“I know you don’t have any answers right now, but I hope the answer is revealed in the fullness of time. What I do know is that our paths have aligned for a reason.

“I’m not sure how much you know of our land’s current plight. But there is imbalance in the land.

The disappearance of Creation has allowed Destruction and her followers to gain much power. The forsaken lands where you arrived are a demilitarized zone guarded by Justice and the other gods in the Light Pantheon. But they are stretched thin.

The kingdom of Knuntang used to be dominated by the followers of Creation. His disappearance caused much chaos, with his followers losing the powers he bestowed.

With the region badly weakened, and Creation missing, the Kingdom of Akomoka to the north attempted to claim Knuntang for themselves and gain a foothold into the southern lands. For clarity, the Kingdom of Akomoka is sworn in its entirety to Destruction and there are many more races than demons who dwell there.

That is where Natom Hilgresh comes in. The other churches will not defend what was once Creation’s stronghold, other than Devotion. But we are not a militant church, our aim is to heal and sooth suffering. So it falls to Knuntang’s army who lack the power of the divine and Natom Hilgresh, to defend the region against the hordes.”

“That’s pretty shitty of the other churches and this guy must be seriously powerful?”

“Indeed it is. But that is a war of politics that won’t be unraveled anytime soon. As for Natom. He is, most likely the most powerful human alive. But he is just one man, and he is under a great deal of pressure from both Destruction and Justice.

Should he fall, then Knuntang will fall. Then it is only a matter of time before we all find our lands overrun with the minions of Destruction.

“And no one will help him?”

“Only Devotion supports his efforts. Darkness, as always, is indifferent. But Justice, for some unfathomable reason wants him removed and have refused to assist Knuntang until that happens.”

“So Justice wouldn’t defend the place, so Natom had to. Now they’re saying they won’t help them because he is there. What the fuck is wrong with these people? Right now, I don’t know who I dislike the most. Justice or Destruction.”

“I want you to go to Natom not just because I believe he can help you. But I also believe you may be able to help him,” she said cryptically. Then with a wry smile added, “At least for as long as you remain in Falritas.”

“I wasn’t planning on hanging around to help anyone overly much. Plus, at level 9 I’m weak as piss. But you’re all helping me, so if there’s anything I can do, I will help as I can.”

“How very selfless of you,” Elsbeth offered.

The Mother smiled knowingly before speaking again. “Natom is very distrustful. That is why I am sending Priestess Descar with you. She may also be of assistance on your journey, should you face adversity. She is one of our most capable Priestesses in conflict.”

“We have a few adventurers traveling with us now, but none of them are as anywhere near as strong as Elsbeth,” I said to the Mother, then turned to Elsbeth. “I’m glad you’re coming.”

“Do not expect too much in the combat department. I am still a priestess. Not a Paladin.”

“Priestess Descar is being modest,” the Mother, said.

I shrugged. “Even if she wasn’t very good at fighting, I know how good she is at healing, and our current healer is a bit shit.”

“Who is your current healer?” Elsbeth said looking perplexed.

“Daz,” I replied flatly, then laughed.

“Ah, stiff competition indeed,” she replied with her own smirk, and I was happy to see her loosening up a little.

“I am glad this is agreed, then. I have faith in your success, but I will also warn you that not all your enemies will be demons. Be careful who you put your faith in, Clive. Not all Angels can be trusted.” Her eyes seemed to bore into me when she spoke the last. “

“I’ll try, but that was pretty cryptic,” I answered. “I feel like you were telling me something specific, without telling me.”

“I’ve made many mistakes and learned as many painful lessons in my long life. No matter how good the intention, trying to control and interfere in the paths of others, rarely ends well. Now I try to settle with a few nuggets of wisdom to point you in what I believe to be the right direction. The rest you must work out for yourself. Now, take care Clive. I believe you will have an interesting and meaningful future, should you survive the coming weeks.

“Well, thanks I think. Though I’d rather you just told me what you meant. I reckon you have too much faith in my judgment.”

“Only time will tell,” the mother laughed. I could tell that was all I was getting from her, so I turned and left the toward the stair well with Elsbeth hot on my heels.