Serena was surprised that Lucian waited until they returned to Skully and the wagon before speaking up once more. He seemed to have been contemplating on what to say for some time, so whatever was going through his head would be interesting.

"So," he started slowly as if testing the waters to see how deep it was. "What exactly are you planning?"

"I needed some hired help for projects in the future. While none of them know what part of a sword to stick people with, they would have other skills that would be useful. Having them in my debt for allowing them to live and giving them a chance, would only be beneficial. If they try to bite the hand offered in peace, then I will put down the rabid dog that they are."

Lucian nodded thoughtfully at this. "As long as you are willing to put them down when they rise against you, then I will support you."

Serena smiled widely and gave him a nod back. She had no intention whatsoever to kill any of her minions—unless they tried to betray her first—but she knew very well just how much power she could wield over those who owed their lives to her. The idea of having people under her control under your control wasn't something she took lightly; she'd seen firsthand how easily one's loyalty can be swayed by someone else once you've gained such an advantage. And if anyone ever did manage to get away from her grasp...

But it was best not to think about it too deeply right now because it was still early days yet and it was better if everyone kept things simple for the moment.

However, she was touched by his concern and consideration. It was reassuring to know she wouldn't be alone in this new world.

"I'm sure we'll figure out ways around that," Serena said with a shrug before looking back at the wagon, where the rest of them were staring at it and the Risen Horse in awe. "I'm curious about something regarding the blue screen. I was hoping you could answer some things for me."

She could sense Lucian's stare boring into her, or perhaps it was on her new hair tie. "What do you wish to ask?"

Serena needed all the information she possibly could while she had time to gather it without fear of reprisal. The more she knew, the better chance she would have of surviving what lay ahead. She had no desire whatsoever to die here, but if she couldn't trust anyone...well then she'd just have to make certain she didn't need anyone else to survive. That way there'd be no betrayal down the road when she might need someone to help her. She'd rather be alone than be betrayed by someone she thought she could rely upon later.

"I received a massive log of information though most of it was out of date by the time I received it." Serena paused, half expecting the blue screen to return. It did not, so she continued. "It was a mixture of statements saying I had discovered locations or possible places of interest like the Tree of Sacrifice, Loxley Forest, and this village which was called Duskwallow." Serena smiled at him as he looked at her in surprise; that was one place they hadn't mentioned before, and it was an interesting choice for such a name. "But I also got reports on discovering Dark Magic, Necromancy, Animancy and congratulating me on using them for the first time," she said while motioning at where they had appeared. "The last few reports involved Balor turning his gaze upon me, and bestowing me with your company as an apology. I was given some information about the subject or what happened throughout each text or notification. For Duskwallow it informed me about why they were cannibals and the depths of their desperation."

Serena shrugged nonchalantly as she turned to face him but Lucian's expression told another story entirely—one of wonder and reverence. He stared into her eyes intently as if trying to read something from within those deep red orbs of hers.

"I would have liked to know more but...," Serena added after a moment when he didn't say anything else to interrupt her. She glanced back up to find him still staring at her in fascination. It made her feel uncomfortable because she'd never been so openly admired by anyone before. "What do you think?"

"You can access the Divine Messages without a prayer or offering to anyone," Lucian whispered reverently, his voice barely audible over the wind. "That is something I never heard of among the mortal races. At least nothing that wasn't in old stories and recounts of ascension." His gaze burned her with the zealous fascination within them for a second before he continued in a calmer tone, "It means that you are not beholden to any god or goddess for your power." The way his lips curled upward told her how pleased he was with this discovery.

Shouldn't a fanatic or someone so zealous be angered that one wasn't beholden to a divine being for their power? Serena couldn't help but feel that something was amiss with Lucian's state of being.

"The Divine Messages are considered as such for they are communicated through the offering of prayer, sacrifices, gifts, and bestowing out faith in them. An individual usually has one patron deity that communes with them through their offering of faith and gifts them with blessings or curses suiting their sphere. A farmer who worshipped Balar could receive a higher yield for a crop, but they could also experience monster attacks that damaged only their fields. As the individual acquires achievements or reaches milestones, their patron deity communes with them, instilling them with knowledge, skills, and acknowledgment of their progress." He paused briefly and looked at her intently while she nodded along; it all made sense now why he had been so interested in learning about her. "And yet you received these all at once. Perhaps there was a delay since you have come from afar?" Lucian picked his words carefully giving the former prisoners near him.

"Tell me, did something strange happen when you received the Divine Messages?"

"No," Serena said, shaking her head. She stopped abruptly as she realized that wasn't quite right. "I mean... When I first got them, they seemed to be having issues with communicating with me. It seemed to be trying to give me access to something."

Lucian folded an arm over his chest and held his other arm in thought. His eyes darted around taking in anyone who might eavesdrop on the conversation. "I have more insight into the workings of the gods than most due to my...reluctant relationship with them. Even then, I do not have access to the inner workings of how they commune with mortals." He shook himself slightly and looked back at her intently before continuing, "Perhaps this is some sort of test to prove your worthiness. If so..." He trailed off, looking at the ground as if he were lost deep in thought. He turned away from her, scanning across the area again as he mumbled softly, "It will be difficult because there are no clear answers or directions that you can follow."

Serena felt a little frustrated at Lucian's lack of expanding on what he was muttering to himself but also relieved that he wasn't going to try to convince her otherwise about what she'd experienced. She had enough trouble convincing herself that she wasn't crazy for having mental conversations with someone connected to her mind.

"It is not safe to discuss my theories when we are surrounded by people who might turn on you at the slightest chance."

Serena nodded, filing away how secretive he was being. "It would be best for you to enter the wagon and change while they are coming to terms with being free. You seemed to want to hide your features when we first met."

Lucian sneered and said, "The royal who bought me wanted me to hide my appearance so she could 'unwrap my beauty' herself. However, being a fey would draw unwanted attention enough so I will take your advice." He shrugged and walked over toward the wagons where the prisoners were gathered together, all of them staring at him and whispering amongst themselves.

It was going to be a long trip to Mythras at this rate.