Vollow didn’t bother to hide his annoyance as Uoth pushed more Shards over to him. She ignored his look, pretending to be too busy handling other Tasks. Which she was, but not to the point of needing to shovel more of the cursed matters over to him. ‘Cursed’ it would take time for him to remove that kind of thinking, it had been ingrained into him since birth. Knowledge best left forgotten or look upon only in the most desperate of times. The latter rarely ever happened from the current of knowledge bestowed him. Few would be willing to sift through the archives that held such things, just to find a specific set of insight. It wasn’t worth the risk, better to be ignorant than cursed. So the teachings went, completely against his Father wisdom, the Givers wisdom.

‘There are no curses’ his Father words rang in his ear, ‘Only truths.’ Even coming from him, his Light shining bright and the Chamber filled with his Divinity, it was still painful wisdom to accept. It was no wonder their Father had kept his knowledge to himself, more willing to bear the burden alone rather than risk sharing it and have the chance of people becoming cursed or consumed. But the realm was against them, it always had in Vollow view, the tunnels better suited the Nightmares. Able to travel around the walls and ceiling with ease, while his kind was stuck sorely using the floor.

They would cope, as they always did, the Giver, their Father demanded it, the Rivers had to be found. With hast if, Vollow focus on the cold monstrosity in his mind, the truth his Father had bestowed. If they were to stand a chance against the Nightmares. ‘Eating souls now, was it not enough that they already consumed our vessels?’ Did their hunger have no end?

Fear whispered into his mind ‘No, they never did.’ Normally he would have pushed it away, burnt it with an illusion of his Fathers light. Not anymore, now, now he listened to the wisdom it provided, not all of it was useful, stray thoughts that held no purpose. But others helped him focus on his Tasks, allowed him to better prepare the Hosts they were amassing. The numbers they were calling for was nearing the level of a Flock, which was making things difficult since they were in direct competition with the Voices. Not that they had seen it that way, based off what Zellebeth had provided. The Voices had, in general terms complimented House Bae conviction in aiding to resolve the mistake of the Anointed. That their actions would be weighed later with the possibility of Worth being bestowed.

‘Blind fools’ Vollow thought as he organized the Shards for viewing. The Hosts weren’t being geared to fight, for such a thing was beyond foolish now that their Father had enlightened them of the foe they were against. The possibility of a Swarm made of Ancients.

‘Oh Giver.’ He thought, what could they possibly do to prepare a Host, a Flock to face such a thing? No, the Hosts were being trained and organized into Scouts, for the most part, something the Sanctums didn’t use, it was the workings of Settlements, too few in number to cleanse the realm around them. Instead, focusing on surveillance, and striking where they could do the most damage and curtail the Nightmares population.

Now they were going to use this same method to try and find the Rivers. Afterwards the Worthy would be called upon. His Father to all their dismay was going to head outside the Sanctum walls, go with the Host formed to claim any Rivers found. The thought of it still had his heart sputtering, his Light put at such risk, his Father lowering himself to the level of unworthy, of Soulless. Anger moved about, a being that for once didn’t know which direction to take. There were too many things which formed his Wrath, too many at fault for making the Givers Divine lower himself to care for Tasks so many others had failed to accomplish.

‘In time’ Vollow assured himself, once things were stable, forces formed and made ready, the Voices, Elders, even those Above would pay for making the Light descend. All within the upper echelons of House Bae were in agreement of that. Vollow opinion of Zellebeth had risen greatly when she displayed to them her desires, her impassioned view that the wrongs against his Father be made right. The efforts she’d already put into her scheme had him trusting her that she would see things done, and didn’t need to be watched. The Light had claimed her, as it had claimed them all, once in his Father presence everything else became secondary. For what could stand equal to Divinity? What else was Worth working towards to stay within its embrace?

‘Nothing’ said the new entity in his mind, one born from his Father Chant, even with his vessel sent asleep by the enormity of his Father will, Vollow could still feel his presence. Feel it seeping into his dreams, where the entity appeared cradling him. She called herself Bliss, his Father most virulent servant, promised him that as long as he devoted everything to his Father she would be by his side, guiding.

She had kept her word, cradled him always, held back the worst effects the truths he delved into Offered, kept his vessel from turn against him. Made him aware of the voices around him, voices he’d never noticed, or he had thought his own. Till she pointed them out, showed where they came from. The Wards around him, she showed the lies he was being fed constantly. Lies that went against the Divine, obstructed his rise by making people unwilling to listen to the wisdom he held. But not for long, the truth will spread, those Worthier than the rest will know, they will be enlightened, and Hadthel will soon follow suit.

Bliss hummed into his ear, happily. ‘Good child, such a wonderful son, listen only to your Father. Listen only to his wisdom, and mine, his closets servant. Together’ Bliss said rubbing a hand across his chest ‘We’ll make the realm he showed you, we’ll make paradise, a place free of burdens.’

Vollow remembered it, a place made by his Father, by his song, he had been allowed to see for a few joyous moments the paradise his father came from, where the Giver was, there was no doubt. Then it vanished and the cold of this realm came rushing back to him. He would have been consumed, lost himself to the many ills that came to claim him in his vulnerable state. But there Bliss was calling his name, he woke confused, and in pain from the bleakness of the realm, he had been in paradise, seen true living. His body and mind had been in turmoil, but it subdued when he recognized his Father hovering over him, then holding him. Vollow relaxed, Bliss stroking the memory making it more vivid, letting him relive it again.

‘Serve him fully, give all that you are, and you will see paradise again.’ Bliss said caressing his face. ‘Now focus, do your Fathers will, complete your Tasks.’

Vollow mind returned to the many Shards in front of him, a few Sequences had been lost in the wonders his Father had provided. Vollow glanced at his sister Uoth, wondering if she had taken notice of his leave of absence, was getting ready to mock him for poor due diligence. He instead found her in a daze of her own, head slightly rocking back and forth, eyes glazed over and very distant.

Vollow breathed out relieved, no mocking, or obscene advances she been showering him with. Peace for once, so he took the reprieve and delved into the Shards provided him by his many Messengers. A Host full now, with the multitude of Houses that had joined them in the past Arc. The Halls had become even more crowded, clogged with goods and people organizing Chambers or trying to figure out which Chamber to place items. The Treasury was beyond full, so other places had to be used until they found another Treasury Chamber people were willing to trade them.

The Shard he held listed off reports of the Hosts they had sent out, the realm outside was empty again, not a single Nightmare to be found. Alarming, or would have been if Bliss wasn’t keeping back Worry. The vision the Host displayed gave his Father words more weight, the Nightmares had found something of Worth, something that claimed all their attention. ‘They found a River.’ Or at least another one, his Father would know, the Givers Blessing would tell him if the Nightmares had become more than they were before.

Vollow sifted through more Shards, of other Hosts they had formed, they reported the same. The tunnels were barren of activity. ‘Most alarming’ he thought, Bliss holding him tighter, whispering in his ear again. ‘All is well, all is blessed,’ she chanted to him. ‘Why don’t you let me remove these troubles for you?’ she asked, Vollow barely gave any consideration to her words before nodding his head. Bliss acted instantly, her hand swiping out towards the Worries she had bottled up. They shattered into pieces and Vollow body relaxed fully again, what little burdens the Worries had been seeping into him gone.

Bliss breathed in happily, and wrapped his arms around his neck, laying her head on top of his own. ‘Such a good boy. Now focus, Tasks to be done.’

Vollow attention snapped back to the visions before him, as he skimmed through Shards, Hosts all reported the same. He Offered that would change, which was an odd event he wanted to occur. But it would be a sign the Hosts were getting close to a River, Vollow was certain the Nightmares would be guarding such areas with masses of themselves.

He glanced at the Atlas that was spread across the table, picturing where the Hosts were. They should be getting close, far ahead of the schedule he had in place. Everyone had assumed the tunnels were going to be flooded with Nightmares, not barren as Arcs back before the Mines had been lost one by one. With the aid of those in Higher Sanctums, his Sisters had marked the Atlas with areas the Rivers should be. But were at most rough estimations than anything, the Rivers could come into contact with minerals that could alter the course, force the Souls to flow down a different path. But for now, this was the best they could do. Even with the realms Above eager to tell them their wisdom, for the Offer of goods House Bae provided. There was only so much they could provide. The once Soulless realms weren’t a place his kind paid much attention to, it had always been ignored, lost to Soulless pests that were below most of the Worthies notice. Not now, the pest had become monsters in full, filled with stolen Souls that they aimed to use against Vollow and his kind. His Father had shown the truths he carried with him all along. The Vail were ignoring a legitimate threat, one that could swallow them whole if they did nothing to stop the Swarm amassing.

‘Give yourselves fully to him, and all will be well.’ Bliss murmured into his ear, as she pushed away all other entities that vied for his attention.

Vollow skimmed through the last of the Shards that involved the Hosts found nothing more of use, so he brushed them aside and turned to other Tasks. More Hosts had to be assembled, Worthy ones, for he was having them venture further out, and sooner or later they would find the Nightmares. Nightmares more than they had ever been before. If his Hosts were to survive and bring back their knowledge, they would have to have the wills to do so.

So Vollow had his Messengers send requests, as his Father instructed to those higher up in the tiers. So far he had ignored sending any requests amongst the halls of the Towers. If it came to that they would just use the many newcomers that recently joined their House.

He looked through the Shards, his Messengers reporting that through recruitment had slowed, it was still moving forward at a reasonable enough rate. More Hosts were being formed and sent out, all heading in the locations the many Marks indicated on the Atlas. Eventually, someone will find what he sought, with the numbers of Rivers flowing down to them, Vollow couldn’t see the Nightmares contesting all of the Rivers. Not with the behavior his Father mentioned, tranced into consuming the Souls before them without end. Only awakening when the last drop was consumed. That should slow them, for the Rivers showed no signs slowing, the currents kept coming. And no one knew why, Sanctuary, Sounness had told him still remained silent on the matter, ignoring all requests sent to it about what was occurring at the level of the most High.

Something was wrong, Vollow had thought maybe the Pools had been broken, the contents leaking out, but with the number of Souls rushing down, he doubted that belief. They would have run out by now, the wisdom bestowed him told of ponds of Souls, not lakes. There was something else, and if it wasn’t for his Father, Vollow would have thought this a blessing beyond all others. The Souls of the past returning to add them in removing the Nightmares. Instead, it had become the catalyst of their doom, his kind at the last Round before being broken.

Bliss hummed in his ear, sparing him from what Fear and Worry waited to impart. ‘All will be well, Follow him, enact his will, and salvation will be at hand, paradise brought down for all to be embraced within.’ Vollow listened to the words, the warmth it brought, she was closer to his Father Light than any other he had felt. Still lesser by far, but it was a helpful reminder to the one his served.

Vollow moved more of the Shards to the side, viewed a few of the reports detailing the upheaval the lower tiers were going through. The Voices almost had their Flocks ready, at least in Hadthel, Vollow wasn’t keen on the state of the other Sanctums when it came to Flocks. If they were anything like the Flocks his Messengers had viewed, none would last long. Those folded into them had barely received any training, little to no practice of marching forms. No, the Voices only cared about speed, about getting the Flocks out. Sounness and the Maidens paying attention to their new rulers notice how frantic the Voices had become. An Arc had passed yet only now were the Flocks near completion. Being formed in full and sent to gather at the first tier. Vollow had been told their only Task was to claim the Mines, something that he was half expecting them to accomplish. If the Nightmares had already eaten all of the crystals there the Nightmares might have already moved on. Vollow was sure that would make the Flocks fall into confusion, sent to fight a Swarm beyond all they had seen, only to find empty and abandoned tunnels.

Bliss kept the mirth he felt going, even when it began to wither as other thoughts accrued. The Elders would be even more ferocious, true they’d get their Mines back, but without the fight? They would look at the Sanctums and think all of them had failed because of laziness alone. Think perhaps those Below them had let the Mines be lost on purpose. A small chuckle left him as Bliss magnified Mirth, made his chest swell with joy. ‘They’ll make more demands, promises Marks for all, and punishments to continue, but all of that means nothing.’ He thought as Bliss formed an image in his mind of Father, of his Light. Soon a whole Tower would be under his command, the Many Houses that once governed its halls, now forming into one.

‘All for him’ Bliss hummed softly in his ear.

Once that was done, others would soon follow, Father's wisdom spread to those deserving, and they would begin the Task of ascending Father. ‘The Voices will go first, then the Elders if they dare to interfere.’ If they got in the way in bringing about paradise.

‘Good child, remove them all, any who oppose him, any who refuse to give themselves fully to him.’ Bliss said.

Zellebeth had things planned, it would take time. But eventually, Hadthel would be under their sway in one shape or another. Enough that those Above would have difficulty bothering them. It would buy them enough time to raise more of the blessed Newborn. A Task he was mostly free of now, the first were fully grown, now contributing to the House, and ready to train other batches that were close to being birthed. Hundreds more Newborn with Warded skin, a force the likes none had seen before. The very picture that the Giver favored them over the Elders. That they were the chosen, selected to carry her message, to carry Father message.

A pity they had to move so slowly, the truth his Father revealed was dangerous to those not Worthy of it. Could cause Lowly to lash out, try to stop them and the Divines message. Bliss had warned him of such, that his Father wisdom should only be passed to others while he was in their presence, was shining his Light bright, filling the realm with his glory.

Vollow had shared that wisdom with Zellebeth, who had come to the same conclusion, or so they found out had been advised by the same source, by Bliss. The sign of selection, the sign of those Worthy, and chosen by the Giver herself to help them bring about Father will. Even now the thought of it was relieving, he was Chosen, special, truly held the right to have a place at the top of the House structure.

‘You are needed’ Bliss said merrily. ‘Will always be, as long as you follow him, as long as you help me bring about his vision. Bring about paradise.’

Vollow breathed in peacefully as Bliss wrapped herself around him, the realm so much brighter than before, so carefree. The rushed opening of the Chamber door broke his trance, a loose form of annoyance slipped passed Bliss as he looked towards the individual who’d entered. It was one of his Messengers, the man was breathing hard as he hurried over to Vollow. Hands roaming his robe pockets before pulling out a Shard.

“They found one Advisor, they finally found a River!” The Messenger said while Offering the Shard to him. Vollow grabbed it quickly, not bothering to comment as he plunged into the Shard. He opened into a scene of Guards using their Spears to clear away dense amounts of foliage that had taken over most of the tunnel they were in. The deeper they went the worse it got, not that the Host cared, those involved were eager, the air around them was teeming with Souls.

When they finally dissolved their way through the walls of thick vines they gave a collective gasp of awe. There for all to see was a raging River, Souls dispersing out everywhere, already the walls around it was thick with rocks turning, crystals forming as the Souls found purchase on material objects. The River wasn’t pooling however, there was too much of it, the rock underneath not dense enough to hold it back. No matter they found the path now, they could if needed follow the Souls down into the depths.

The one making the visions continued forward, drawn to the blessed glow of so many Souls. That’s when he noticed movement far off on the other side of the chamber the River had broken into. Nightmares, if he could call them that, no Ancients, smaller ones but still the marks were there, Channels of their own coursing across their frames. Their eyes were locked on to the River, and the Host took that fortune event to retreat. Rushing down the path they had come as the Maker of the vision detailed where the River was located. Vollow pulled from the Shard, the details clear in his mind and marked them on the Atlas, his hands shaking with excitement. His Fathers would be thrilled to finally have a destination. The past Arc had been a trying one, their Father wanting to embark immediately. But with no knowledge of where to head he’d been forced to wait. To his Father frustration, he even confessed to Vollow that The Giver blessing was growing in weight at an ever-growing speed. Even now the chill from that truth wanted to affect him and his vessel, but Bliss was ever present, keeping things that didn’t aid him away.

Uoth was hovering over the Atlas, looking at it with unsuppressed joy. “It’s not that far off,” She commented.

“The Giver blesses us,” he said as he pulled out a shard of his own, studying the Atlas with great care and stored the image inside the Shard he held. Only then did he take notice of the Messenger in wait, his head bowed. “Any others?” Vollow asked hope-filled even when he knew the answer.

The Messenger shook his head. “No Advisor, this Shard just came in with the others, the only one to hold a blessing.”

“Pity.” Vollow mumbled “You may leave us, Messenger,” Vollow pulled out a small Heart from a drawer and handed it over to the man. “For your dedication.” He said.

The Messenger bowed lower, hand reaching out to take the Offer bestowed him and hiding it in the folds of his robes before heading off. Thoughts came at Vollow that he should finish his Task of viewing the Shards around him, but all that was unimportant now. He pocketed his own Shard readying to head off to find his Father, tell him the glorious news.

‘Wait.’ Bliss send in a joyous but commanding tone. “Not yet, there are other matters to be handled first.” She said brushing her hand across his face. ‘Matters most High.’ Bliss filled his mind with images of the council Zellebeth had planned later this Rotation. A meeting to discuss truths with those newly folded into the House.

‘The Divine must be there, singing, casting his Light down upon all of them, cleansing them of the lies that fill their body and Souls. Only then will they accept the truths Offered in full, only then will they give themselves fully to our Divine.’

Vollow stilled, mastering himself as Bliss advised him, he thanked her for it. Now was not the time for rushed actions, not again. For a split breath he recalled his bones snapping, then Bliss smacked it way, holding him tight. ‘All is well my dear child, no harm will come.’

Vollow rose, his vessel calmer now as Bliss held back some of the excitement that had taken him. There was much to be done before their Father could leave without his absence causing ill effects to take hold in his House. Those Worthy enough in the order of Bae had to been shown the truth of things, know enough to carry out their Tasks without Curiosity pushing them to look into matters they shouldn’t.

Uoth studied the Atlas for a moment and placed a few more marks on it before she rose as well. In quick small steps, she was by his side, wrapping her arms around one of his own. “Off to Zellebeth I take it?” she asked already knowing his thoughts.

“Yes” he replied in a strained voice, attempting to free his arm from her clutches, it was a wrong move on his part, as she only squeezed tighter, and smiled knowingly. Vollow shoulders slumped as he exhaled heading for the door.

“Such a proper man, guiding his Bondmate.” Uoth send in a playful tone. He lifted his arm dragging her up for a breath before she yacked her body down, his arm with it. “Certainly not the type to leave a lady abandon after their Round of merriment.”

Vollow frowned, as he pushed the door open and very badly wanted to run down the hall. Given Uoth stature, it would be easy to outpace her. Uoth grip tightened more, “Certainly not one to be scheming of ways to escape. To leave his Bondmate behind as he went about chasing after others.”

Vollow closed his eyes as they walked down the hall, though those lining the length of it never utter a sound of amusement at his predicament. Vollow could feel it, just like he could feel all the eyes watching him and Uoth as they passed.

“You said” Vollow commented in tried voice “That act came with no commitment.” If he had known it was going to be different he would have found a Lowly to his liking.

Uoth huffed, pretending to be insulted. “What kind of women do you take me for?”

‘A lying one’ Vollow thought but kept his remarks to himself as she continued. “Besides after our Round together and your passionate performance, I just couldn’t let you go.” Vollow could feel his face and ears start to burn, and very much didn’t want to be in this hall anymore. Full of people laughing at him on the inside, watching with mocking eyes.

So he began walking faster, practicality dragging Uoth behind him as he headed for the Chamber Zellebeth would be in.

‘Family should act fondly to one another.’ Bliss commented as she watched Uoth struggle to keep up with him. ‘Caring, supportive, even to those that try their patience.’ Bliss said rubbing his back, Vollow wanted to remind her that it was her fault this had happened. So taken in by her own presence, and looking for support after his Father revelations he had been vulnerable. Desperate for company. Then came Uoth in the same state and Bliss whispering in his ear.

Vollow sighed as Bliss smiled at him innocently, and his walking speed slowed to one that matched Uoth. “Oh, I knew my wonderful Bondmate would forgive more words,” she said rubbing her cheek affectionately against his arm she held on to. “Don't worry I’ll make it up to you, once our Tasks are done I’ll make you squeal in delight when we’re alone.”

Vollow grunted ‘As if.’ The reverse would be true, as it had been the first time, him on top and her making all sorts of noise as she clawed his back raw.

The rest of the walk was thankfully free of more of Uoth mocking words, she was content with rubbing herself against him, and squeezing his arm tight enough that he could feel it starting to die from strangulation. Bliss helped improve his mood, pushing away the annoyance he was being flooded with and instead smoothed him with her own presence. His chest warmed as Bliss sung to him, helped him relax and ignore the looks they got as they walked down the hall.

Uoth released her grip once the Chamber door came into view. It wasn’t their Father quarters. That Chamber had seceded to be large enough to hold them all at once, Zellebeth had instead acquired the largest Council Chamber she could get her hands on. For now that would serve as their meeting place, till a new much larger Chamber could be found for their Father. Chanters parted the doors, revealing an interior of lively hand movements as Maidens Signed to each other. Vollow could perceive some of what was being said, his Sisters had imparted some of their knowledge to him. After he had pestered them long enough. Still, it was largely incomplete and only enough for him to under basic commands and requests.

Tables had been placed everywhere, Servants hurrying about Offering refreshments and numerable dishes to feast upon. Vollow scanned the area and he made his way forward, most of the people present he was unfamiliar with, another wave of Houses coming to join his own. It almost a Tempos occurrence now, with the ever-increasing demands of the Voices. Houses became more eager to fold themselves into the Divines protection.

Vollow could feel eyes falling on him as he moved further into the Chamber, heading for Zellebeth who was seated in the center of the swarm of tables. As he got close she looked his way, he flashed the symbol meaning urgent news. She looked away from him, returning to her conservation with women believing themselves Worthy. Bliss helped him hide his feelings, hide his displeaser he held towards the masses around him. Blind each, ignorant of all that was happening outside of lying walls, unaware of the calamity that awaited them if the Divine ever decided to no longer bear the burden placed upon him.

‘They will see.’ Bliss said with conviction. ‘The Divines Light will burn away the lies that fester within them, they will be embraced by his Light like all others, made whole. They will serve him fully, or be left behind to rot, barred from paradise.’

‘They will see’ Vollow echoed in his mind as Zellebeth rose and motioned him to follow her. As he walked Vollow notice Uoth had departed him, left to go join Sounness who was mingling with various women. His sister was always looking for more supporters, even when she had plenty to accomplish the Tasks assigned to her, but such was the way of things or were. Women always vied for control amongst themselves. Not that it mattered in House Bae, only Father ruled, the rest of them there to ease the burden of such a Task, but never to take it up for themselves.

As Vollow reached Zellebeth side at the edge of the Chamber a Chanter formed a sphere around them to disperse their voices. Vollow didn’t wait for her to ask, time was against them. “A River has been found.”

Zellebeth eyes widened ever slightly, but that was it, the rest of her mask remained unchanged. “As he been told?” she asked her tone neutral, but with Bliss, he could pick up the hints of Joy that laid within, and Worry.

“No” Vollow answered. “I had planned to, but Bliss-“

“Of course,” Zellebeth said cutting him off, her eyes becoming distant for a passing Breath before she fixed her gaze on him again. “The Giver works her hands in our favor once more, those Worthy to receive his message are mostly in attendance. This matter can be resolved and the Rivers be focused on, at least long enough to claim the one found.”

Vollow glanced back as the mass of woman before him, many not long ago had been Hierarchs of their own Houses. Now all lowered to Maidens once more, not that any would dare see it as a slight. ‘Maidens to the Light, to one above all, to a Divine that will protect them from the massing dark.’ Vollow thought and turned back to Zellebeth, she too had been surveying the crowd, like his sister looking for those to support her, to maintain her role as the Prime Maiden. ‘Not that it matters, Father could decide to make a Lowly his Prime and there would be nothing they could do to change it.’

“You’re sure they are Worthy? Vollow asked many were from smaller Houses, barely holding on to their spots within the Tower.

“She says they are.’ Zellebeth answered, “Besides, they only need to see enough so they support our claim against the Voices when the time comes.” She added revealing her true feelings on the matter.

‘All will serve” Bliss chanted in his mind ‘Be they High or Low all will follow the Divine, all will join hands and aid in bringing about paradise, for his will demands it.’

“When will this Task be done?” He asked motioning to the horde behind him “The Divine will be displeased if we hold knowledge of this nature from him for too long.”

“No need to worry about that Vollow.’ Zellebeth said. “Our Divine has secluded himself in his Medication Chamber with chests of Hearts this time. We’ll have the Rounds we need to get the Worthy ready for his message.

Vollow nodded at the words, while a flick of Envy formed as yet another blessing befell his Father. It never got near, as it was blocked and crushed by Bliss, he felt her gaze intensify as she looked back at him. ‘He is the Divine, blessings is his right, the Light that will raise you all.’ Her words became softer as she moved herself around him again. ‘At least for those who serve, who give themselves fully, such as yourself. So rejoice child, for you are already saved, already Above the need for Blessings. You are within his Light, his Advisor, needed.’

Vollow breathed out thankful that he had Bliss at his side, Warding off wicked thoughts that strove him to be against his Father. He should have felt shame, but even that was pushed away as Bliss held him close. He returned his attention back to Zellebeth who was looking at him, his attention lapsing longer than he expected, he moved to voice apologies. But Zellebeth shook her head and smiled at him. “All will Serve” Zellebeth said, and Vollow found himself echoing the words back to her.

She glanced at the Chronicler and backed to the Flock of Maidens. “It’s best I return to my Task, the Giver gave us this chance, best not let it slip away.” She bowed to him and he reciprocated as they parted ways. The instantly Zellebeth returned to her place at the center table women amassed around her, their hands once more dancing about.

With nothing else to accomplish at the moment, Vollow walked his way over to his fellow Advisors waiting for this Task to be done so he could inform his Father of the news he’d been waiting longingly for.

------------------------

Dailin was on all fours panting as his last attempt to improve himself had failed and looked ready to consume him if he hadn’t forced the process to stop. The chests of Hearts he hovered into the room were empty and strung across the floor, where he’s thrown them in his mad haste to fill himself with Mana to fend off the endless hunger of the spell he had enacted. He had thought he’d taken the correct precautions, but never before had there been a spell that required so much, and still failed to deliver.

Then again he was asking for something new. A means for Mana to make more of itself, a way he could acquire more of it without relying on pulling it from the environment. It appeared that desire of his was too outlandish, he should have known better when the Mana within didn’t act unstill he echoed the command at it for what felt like an hour. When it did, when the Mana stirred to life, it felt like his own was ending. Dailin didn’t want to think about what would have happened to him if he hadn’t had the chests of Hearts.

Dailin breathed out slower the worst of the shock he’d went through passing. His stores of Mana within him had only been slightly touched as he struggled to stop the spell, he’d likely be spent if he’d relied only on the Mana within him rather then the Hearts. As the shock left he felt a disgruntled urge go through him, slowing rising to frustration and anger, he’d just wasted a fortune in Hearts for nothing. The Mana disappearing to accomplish his, apparently mad request. One of desperation, dread continued to try and crush him, his instinct losing itself as the Nightmares outside grew unmolested. Likely claiming one River after the other, while his own House had yet to find a single one, even with Hosts being sent out to scour the realms outside.

What was he to do? He felt the threat growing every day and he was powerless to keep up even when he improved himself as much as he could without burdening his House. ‘All this power and I might as well not have it at all for all the good it does me.’ Powerful yet powerless, yet another cruel joke life and reality and thrown at his feet.

Dailin breathed in and screamed in frustration as he rose and smashed his fists down onto the floor. The Wards carved into the stone instantly flashed red and stayed that way as he continued smashing his fists into them. He continued till the worst of his anger subsided, then he began to sing, called on his soothing spell, called upon blissful emotions to take him and push aside destructive ones that weren’t doing him any good. Dailin sighed in relief as it took hold, and he envisioned a realm free of the burdens plaguing him. There he stayed till the emotions that were annoying him dissolved way leaving only dread, and instinct.

The spell ended after that, returning him to a realm that was eager to destroy him and all he worked towards. The Wards had returned to their formal white, not a mark to display his moment of rage. Much better than throwing a table or breaking one of his children’s bones. ‘Guess I’ll start hitting walls to relieve my stress from now on.’ At least when he didn’t have time to submerge himself in bliss that is.

With his mind stable again, he closed his eyes and focused on his body, even though the spell was a failure, that amount of Mana couldn’t have just vanished, it had to have done something. Something that could be detrimental to him, so he felt the flow of Mana in him looking for anything abnormal.

Nothing looked damaged nor changed as he felt his body up and down, followed the flow of Mana until he noticed something off. Dailin stopped breathing and held his breath, then he felt it, the feeling of replenishment was still there. Even though he wasn’t breathing and pulling more Mana in he, it still felt like he was. Felt it coming from the center of his chest, the very center next to his beating heart. There he noticed the anomaly in full, Mana appearing from a spot.

A mix of joy and disappointment took him for a moment. The spell and had worked, maybe, but the output was, well pathetic. For the volume of hearts, he had used to form this spot it would take decades perhaps longer for the trickle he felt coming out to make up for the cost. It was a success and failure, the Hearts hadn’t gone to waste, but it still felt like it somewhat. Especially since breathing in the air around him produced more than the spot was.

‘Failure’ he concluded, not as bad as he had thought, but it was still a failure given the cost. He’d been better off using the Hearts to improve himself. Dailin sighed, his mad scheme met with ruin, which shouldn’t be surprising him, but false hope and desperation had ways to distort one's view of things. Now he was back to where he was in the beginning, waiting for the word to come that a River had been found. He prayed word of it would hurry, he was forced to rely more on the Mana to keep dread way, the weight of it and the panic it coursed was reaching the point it was affecting him now.

Dailin rose, looked at the mess around him and sat right back down, frustration coming back at the sight of it, so he let himself slip into bliss once more. He needed the distraction, a break from the burdens around him and his latest failings. His spell broke when the chronicler he had set rang, informing him he’d spent his alone time and it was back to caring for the needs of his House again. Dailin grunted as he rose and hummed a spell, the spent Hearts floated and collected themselves within the chests and lids closed shut.

The chests floated next following him as he headed for the door. Vollow was there with the Chanters guarding the entrance when he exited. “Father,” his son said bowing to him followed by the Chanters doing the same. “I Offer your blessing went well,” Vollow added.

“In a way,” Dailin said, using the Mana to make his words sound merrier than they actually were. “So what need does my House call for me to relieve this Rotation?” Dailin asked with a forced smile.

“The Prime Maiden as requested your aid in delivering your esteemed wisdom to the many new Maidens that have folded themselves into your House,” Vollow answered.

“I see,” Dailin said, he should have seen this coming, without a cap on the Maidens the women in the tower had all rushed to join him. At the rate things were going his House would be the Tower, which was a hard thing to consider given the size of the complex. “Well then, best not keep her waiting.” Dailin voiced gesturing to his son to guide him to where the meeting was taking place. He hoped it was not in his Chamber for even though it was spacious, it was no longer large enough to hold all his Maidens.

Maidens he had at this point lost count of, he didn’t even bother trying to remember who was who anymore. There was just too many, and what appeared to an endless mob of more joining his House daily. The fact of it made clear as most of the Halls they walked down were jammed with people racing to get out of Dailin way. Most were Servants, and other considered lowly position, even though all of them had well define Mana veins. Nothing like his Children but clear enough they would live well in lower tier if they so choose.

The crowds thinned as Vollow guided them further out from the halls he knew, his Estate now large enough he had to pay attention to the wards for guidance on which paths to take to reach his destination. Eventually, they reached the meeting place, as numerable Chanters stood guard at the doors, all of whom went rigid when his presence became known. The doors were quickly pushed opened, a Chanter even announced his arrival, making all in the room that he entered swing their heads to look at him. There was so many, hundreds, in fact, Dailin at that moment wished his had his mask to wear. He didn’t though so instead he hummed a small spell and pushed his anxiety away.

Breathed in he called out, “Greetings Maidens.” His words infused with a heavy dose of warmth. His call echoed loudly across the room, letting all hear. All in earshot reacted instantly, postures becoming lax and eyes distant for a passing second. He really had their attention after that. A repeat when he dealt with the Heralds months ago. Hundreds stared at him with absolute want.

Zellebeth hurried over to him, a smile wide across her face, the rest of his Advisors following close behind her. “Divine,” she said in an admiring tone when the distance between them was gone “Many blessings for Offering us your presence.” A sphere of soundlessness formed around them at the end of her words as a Chanter weaved it into being

“No need, this is for my House after all.” He countered showing her a large smile.

Her own broadened at the sight of his “A Blessing for us all Divine.” She gestured towards the front of the room. Where Dailin could see a platform of a dazzling craft was placed. Covered in precious metals and gems, it sparkled in the Ward light around them.

“A stage for you Divine, so you can sing your blessed song to those around us.” Zellebeth continued.

“You don’t wish me to speak wisdom? He asked.

Zellebeth shook her head “Not yet Divine, they must be cleansed by your Light first, it will make thing easier to inform them of your many truths.” She stepped closer to him, to his daughters appeared annoyance. “We Offer that you sing to them as you did to us, or more accurately to Vollow when the two of you were alone.”

Dailin raised a brow and turned to look at his son.

“When we were alone together in your Mediation chamber Father.” Vollow added “After I informed you of the Rivers. The song you sang to me while I was asleep. It was most helpful when facing the truths that were displayed later, helped me see past the lies.”

“Right” Dailin said in a low tone as he looked back at Zellebeth. “Well, If that is what my House needs so be it. But when I begin all of you better be either sitting or lying down. The strength of that Chant isn’t to be taken lightly.”

“That is why it’s needed,” Zellebeth said, “Many here are ruled by Fear, they need the strength of your Light to cleanse them of it, if not your truths will be too heavy a burden for them to bear.”

Dailin recalled the scene of his room filled with Maidens crying their hearts out. The thought of not going through that again had him more than happy to do as Zellebeth requested. “As you wish,” he said with a shrug “Is there a specific amount of time you wish this to last?

Zellebeth looked at the chronicler hovering above the Chamber door. “A Round at least, but the more the better Divine, the longer they are encompassed in your Light the easier it will be for them to accept your wisdom.”

Dailin glance at the clock, saw the time “How about three Rounds then?” he asked.

“That would be most Blessed Divine” Zellebeth answered him and guided him to the stage as hundreds of eyes followed his every step.

Dailin once in place stood heads taller than the masses gathered around him. “I’ve been requested to bath you all in my light, so I will, but before I do, I Offer that all of you be seated in a chair or on the floor, for my light is a comforting embrace, your vessels will want to relax.” People looked amongst each other for a few seconds before accepting his words and situating themselves accordingly.

Dailin glanced about saw all were ready and closed his eyes. Envisioned a realm carefree, blissful, and unburdened by the woes of this realm. Then he sang, letting out large waves of warmth, people were able to give small gaps before the lot of them collapsed into sleep. Even when they did he sang loud, let himself seep into the vision of his own making. He had three hours of singing after all he might as well enjoy it himself.

---------------

Zellebeth breathed out.

And Bliss breathed in, humming softly along with his song. Bliss didn’t raise the vessel, she instead only moved the head enough so she could watch him sing with a half-opened eye. Watched the Light pulse from him and seep into the many vessels. Then the whispers came after, the things thoughts, so very burden with thinking’s not in accordance with his vision, with his desire. Bliss would fix this, make things right.

“For his Will.” Bliss song, for there was nothing else.