--- Aphrodite POV

“We move forward Goddess.”

The Grandmaster’s words are a joy, progress at last and I feed him my vision of the Path and its surrounds. Like a miracle a familiar reality forms underfoot and for a distance around us, extending enough to include the marching boots of my makeshift army of Dungeon denizens. The God of War hovers over them like a mother hen, my God of Hunting nowhere to be seen.

A glowing Quest Plinth appears as the perception of trail, land, and forest forms adjacent. I run to embrace the familiar before the Grandmaster can protest and in so doing, we leave the Magus behind. He is now outside my range of vision and perhaps naively, I can only imagine he continues his efforts on my behalf.

The embrace passes a jolt of lightning through me.

[Spark of Divinity assimilates to your being; One of Sixteen in total.]

An inner warmth of burning subsides, and I blink the blindness from my eyes recovering my awareness. The underneath of the plinth leads to the paths to the Twin Dungeons, the spiritual entry point of the Quest Plinth reaching out to Arsu and Azizos and their cores. I call upon them to deliver more of their denizens.

[Requesting another while on the Spirit Plane; you lose 1% existence. Current Total 22%]

Spirit Orcs and Ogres pop from all sides of the plinth, saluting and marching to join the ranks of my army on the Spirit Plane.

“Existence well spent at last Goddess.”

Spoken praise? I place the back of my near vapour-like hand on my forehead and lean back a touch in mock surprise.

“You will need good humour soon enough, so hold on to this moment.”

Way to bring me back down …

The Temple of Zeus looms up on my right, a pulsing glow, like a beacon … the Grandmaster extends an arm out before me and I sail through before I look back.

“Zeus is vanquished from this world and yet on the Spirit Plane, many of his former adherents will still dwell. I would counsel avoidance Goddess. If there is a conflict you are too weak.”

“What of my army, wouldn’t most of his worshippers be defeated upon the Path of Tears?” I protest.

“Defeated, yet not destroyed, they only need to return to Zeus’ Temple and in there they will wait for you.”

[Requesting another while on the Spirit Plane; you lose 1% existence. Current Total 21%]

“Who or what Goddess do you summon?”

Before my semi-transparent tearing eyes, Nasim returns to me and I reach out with both of my fading hands.

“I welcome you to my side, my friend.”

Nasim nods. “How are my family? My wife, has she accepted my sacrifice?”

“I do not know my friend, none who knew you or her, have ever returned with news.”

Nasim pushes his spiritual form through himself to face Grandmaster Mateus. “And you High Priest?”

A ring of pipe smoke floats above his head as Grandmaster Mateus, High Priest of Aphrodite collects his thoughts. “There is rumour of a Pilgrim, a babe on her teat and two young ones by her side trying to convince the masses that simple prayer will eventually manifest a God or Goddess who once empowered by worship can resurrect their loved ones. Most listen out of hope, few join her in prayer though I am afraid.”

A twinkle of mirth sweeps the sadness from around Nasim’s eyes. “My Fabia … I am certain. Most likely a folly yet she has finally found a purpose …”

Nasim floats towards the Temple of Zeus and with calm certainty removes one of the foundation rods. The action is purposeful, the pulsing glow once upon Zeus’ Temple ceases. The consequence is immediate as the spirits of Zeus’ worshippers flood out of his un-consecrated Temple wearing looks of shock and dismay. A moment later, surprise replaces every previous look as they blink out and rays of lightning shoot off. If in the real world their direction would be towards a nearby mountain range, their destination a Temple high amongst the Frost Giants.

I enter his Temple, the style of the columns, and the marble, all remind me of the real Temple. There is no treasure to claim, definitely no Spark of Divinity and so my journey must continue.

Ames and Swift Spear manifest before me, the Dog of War salutes, and the other, as our eyes meet bows quickly.

“Goddess, an army of Snake Kin are drawn up in battle lines deeper in Quest Town. They wait for something and my guess is you. On the Path of Tears, we didn’t banish many Snake Kin, so enough would have lingered to spy upon your approach.”

Why would Snake Kin see me as an enemy?

Ames continues as if to answer my question. “Which important Snake Kin have you pissed off and slain recently?”

Swift Spear gives Ames the look and shuffles back. Unfortunately, I don’t have any means of reprimanding the God of War’s um, appraisal of the situation. Therefore, I ignore his frustration and tap my chin in thought, instead. Waiting for a sign.

Ames shifts from one foot to the other and while he tries to hide the raw emotion reaching his face, his straining jaw muscles tell a different story. Sign accepted.

I smile. “There is always one, former Matriarch of House Silver Scale, Naesatra is possibly upset with me …”

“I would suggest more than upset,” growls Ames.

“Can’t we go round? If we do have to fight through surely your leadership of my army will win the day?”

Ames shakes his head and spreads an open palm towards Swift Spear. “I will allow our scout to explain, Goddess.”

I suspect foam is beginning to gather around Ames’ maw. I underestimated his frustration.

Swift Spear clears his throat. “We can’t go around Goddess as we are limited somewhat by your knowledge of the land. You visited the Town in many forms and many ways, on foot as well as flying. Both Ames and I are new to Quest Town and our army has never ventured outside of their Dungeon of origin …”

I interrupt, “I have flown over most of the forest, the river hereabouts what is the problem?”

Ames barks, “Details. A cursory flyover doesn’t substitute for well-travelled, ask your High Priest. For him to create the land from your vague glimpses would consume too much mana. As for the army bashing them, yes, we may win, yet the cost Goddess. Snake Kin control the elements, our army trying to reach them through narrow alleys and streets would provide kill lanes to such attacks.”

“The Karpies?” I counter.

“Useful, although prime targets themselves. We can only go forward but don’t expect to fight another battle even if we do win.”

“And there is a third problem …” A high-pitched hissing voice joins the battle conference.

Ames and Swift Spear reach for their weapons and the Snake Kin holds up her palms defensively. “I come in peace, to make a deal. No more and no less.”

“How did you sneak up?” accuses Swift Spear.

“Simple Hunter God, you were distracted, we are in Zeus’ Temple, which is no more and so unclaimed. I have declared this neutral ground and in so doing I deny the Goddess Aphrodite’s sense of trespass here.”

“Who are you?” asks Ames.

I know, Snake Kin talks of Trade, Bellas I presume.

“Just because I didn’t stay with Tor and listen to his rantings, I am offended you don’t recognise me God of War and God of Hunting. I am only mollified somewhat because the Goddess Aphrodite does. Isn’t that right Goddess?”

“Yes Bellas, and please do continue.”

“Well, the third problem is the vanquished Snake Kin who will reform much sooner than the Dungeon creatures, their spirits returning to their Dungeon, the Dungeon expending mana if any available and then sending them back to you Goddess. Too much time I suspect for a second battle to be fought and won.”

“And you have a solution to trade?” I wait for the obvious.

“Simple. I am a Dominion Goddess so upon your confirmation as Ruler Goddess I want you to swear you will confirm my presence in your Pantheon.”

I am taken aback by the simple request I glance to Ames who nods ever so slightly.

“If your solution proves successful, I swear on my Truth Rune to confirm your presence within my Pantheon.”

She smiles a wide sharp fang smile. “Deal done.”

A slight shiver runs down my spine, the trade deal binding. She vanishes.

“How do you both do that?” I ask, failing to keep the frustration out of my voice.

Swift Spear answers, “When you are trapped with plenty of time on your hands, you first search everywhere for escape. Now, this knowledge allows us to port anywhere on the Spirit Plane.”

“And I guess you can’t take anyone with you?”

“Correct Goddess.”

“If you have searched everywhere, why can’t you lead the army around the waiting Snake Kin?”

Ames shakes his head. “Our explored view of the Spirit Plane is separate from the imagined layer you apply and only once we have trod upon your illusion can we bind the two layers together.”

I try to contain my growing irritation as I question further, “How can Bellas pop in and around me when she hasn’t walked upon my illusion?”

Swift Spear raises his hands, motioning them downwards. Is he trying to calm me?

“Goddess, Bellas sees the Spirit Layer uniquely like all who have resided here for much of their existence, mine is endless plains of hunting, herds of deer and the like thundering through the long grass, evergreen and lush …”

His eyes drift off for a moment caught up in his perfect illusion …

“Come back …” snaps Ames. His bark is not impatient, an understanding sadness I suspect. They all dream of an illusion, which to them is the perfect surroundings and the Spirit Plane allows them such a concession.

Swift Spear continues, “Bellas would imagine trade markets or perhaps the entire Spirit Plane as one huge emporium of commerce and then she notices a new growing layer. More Importantly, an opening in this new layer, Zeus’ Temple, which she claims as another market. We are different, almost two extremes, Ames doesn’t have any claim over a battlefield, the area grows and shrinks depending upon the needs of the combatants and most times shortly after, given up. Lion Beast Kin hunting grounds are generational, negotiated and claimed by tradition and agreement after a meeting of the Prides.”

Each it seems is constrained by their nature or realms of influence. “Therefore,” I add. “Her claim upon Zeus’ Temple would be temporary?”

Swift Spear glances at Ames, his ears laying back. The Dog Kin grunts.

“Well yes, in this case. But some markets can become permanent.”

“How and under what …”

He holds up an armoured paw, shaking his head. “Another time Goddess … please. You can explore all the ins and outs of your Pantheon when the time is right.”

I nod. “What now?”

“We leave Zeus’ Temple, Goddess,” says Swift Spear, leading the way.

Taking a last look at Zeus’ Temple I confirm within myself this is not my ground and many murders and assaults can occur within a market and with haste, I follow Swift Spear.

Grandmaster Mateus and Magus Drexel wait for me a short distance behind the heels of the army, ignoring each other, although the Grandmaster continues his enquiries. Nasim for his part stands to one side, forcing a smile in my direction, otherwise silent and still.

“For the last time, there are multiple frivolous attempts to summon me, breaking my ceremony each time. Your constant enquiries aren’t helpful either as far as they go.”

Drexel stomps off, while Grandmaster Mateus shrugs at me.

Bellas returns. “It is done Goddess and your way is now clear and I suspect a visit to each of your Temples in Quest Town worthwhile.”

“How …” splutters Ames.

“Snake Kin aren’t warriors my Dog Kin friend. I confirmed my place in the Patheon to them and spruiked the benefits of trade over fighting the future Ruler Goddess for naught but unprofitable revenge of one disgruntled Matriarch who couldn’t accept she had been outmanoeuvred.”

So easy, but there is an important point which I must confirm. “They are spirits though, how do they benefit from trade?”

“Their Houses and as my Cult Spirits, they would be able to re-join their Houses … in a fashion. Not to mention with their worship I am now a step closer to Minor Goddess, so celebrations are in order.” Her tongue lashes about, a dance of joy I suspect. Then she withdraws the thin forked appendage. “Although not here on second thoughts.”

“A well-struck bargain for you it would seem,” I reply.

“Of course, I am the Goddess of Trade and now go to celebrate with my worshippers.”

With that, she disappears. Ames and Swift Spear advance the army unopposed and I ransack each of my Temples in Quest Town for Sparks of Divinity. The last Temple rests on the town outskirts beside the trail heading north.

[Spark of Divinity assimilates to your being; Six of Sixteen in total.]

“You have never travelled to your Cathedral have you, Goddess?”

We stand side by side in my last Temple and I have this sinking feeling as I project my aerial view of the land to Mateus. I have progressed to Ruler God Elect too fast, skipping vital steps like scouting for the perfect location and witnessing my Cathedral being built. The Ruler God Quest is a recreation of your arduous path to Godhead throwing up obstacles based upon that journey for you to overcome, it now seems to me.

“The Cathedral is days of travel away and you don’t have aerial views far beyond Quest Town. At that point, you will need to use your Existence and I fear you will fall short by a huge margin Goddess.”

“Could I fly with a guide?” I ask him half pleading.

I suspect another visit from Bellas shortly as I am certain many of her worshippers would have travelled far and wide, some I am sure visiting my Cathedral if not supplying materials and the like and I would prefer to know my options before negotiations begin.

“Possibly.”

I turn to face Mateus. His shrug is an unhelpful response and then his presence fades away …

--- Mateus POV

Their minds withdraw from mine. Our oneness ends. My spirit form reunites with my body and I blink several times as I need to rely upon my vision to establish a sense of place. Body odour, stale sweat dominating assaults my nostrils and yet I know I smell my stink, my awakening from my trance allowing the return of my senses. My sense of smell discovers my condition like a slap in the face, not as is usual, growing accustomed over time to the developing stench.

Light breaks through chasing the solace of dark away. I close my eyes to shield them and then my sitting cross-legged body floats away from my current domicile or so it seems. After a time, I brave half-opening my eyes. I pass through a wide doorway, white stone on either side. A moist warmth seeps into my fur and my body is soon after at rest upon a marble floor. Splashing water. Many hands scrub at my coat of fur, a growing flowery fragrance overpowering the stench. I unlock my arms from their trance position and as they drop hands grab them. The scrubbing to clean my limbs also massaging life back into them.

With my eyes fully open, I recognise the myriad of Tigress Kin in attendance their unashamed nakedness matching my own I realise. Their hands uncross my legs and remove my loincloth. Purring and gentle caressing accompanies the washing of my legs and elsewhere. As one all the hands leave, then splashes of warm water clear the soap suds from the fur of my body.

Two hands for each of mine reach out and pull me into a standing position. Gleaming white fangs enrapture my attention as hands wielding towels return, their attention concluding when a loincloth and robe return about my body. My first tentative step and I don’t fall flat on my face. Hands hold my elbows in support as I take a second step. Like this, I leave the bathing room and stagger down a corridor until we reach another set of iron-bound, ancient wood doors. The hands release my elbows and I straighten.

Another unseen by me knocks on the doors and they open. With my confidence returning, I stride forward.

“Welcome Priest, no, forgive me, High Priest Mateus.”

The hissing Snake Kin words a familiar comfort … feint purple snakeskin aglow, her darting tongue a concern.

“Greetings Cardinal Ralora, I am most honoured to be received by the Cardinals of Aphrodite.”

The slithering of the other Snake Kin present echoes around the room, gliding behind me she hisses. “You are late!”

I raise a bushy eyebrow. “I believe the Prophet Nami requested my presence … in my own good time her wish.”

Her rumbling voice if not the heavy steps announce the arrival of another. “My sister is always the considerate one and yet as a messenger, she often fails to impart urgency.”

Holding my ground, I reply, “Perhaps the Prophet sees further as my dalliance allowed certain liberties.”

I leave those present with a mystery. The Prophet encouraged me to journey to the Cathedral but also to try and commune with the Goddess, the Tiger Kin way, not a drop of Divine, hence my long slow wagon ride in darkness to the detriment of my physical body.

“Tiger Kin riddles is that all you have for us?” hisses Ralora.

“Calm,” rumbles Taha.

I know where Taha stands behind me because Ralora’s eyes flash past my right shoulder, while a drop of venom excretes from each fang as she begins a tirade.

“Arch Priest Allene Corser aloof and missing more than present, Cardinal Pex on a mystery mission for the Goddess and the Prophet, instead of staying to guide us, says she will send another, announcing you.” The purple of her snakeskin deepens. “How? How High Priest do you intend to make the Arch Priest more diligent and find Cardinal Pex?” Her head juts forward in my direction. “Why don’t we all admit the obvious, her mission a failure, none able to contact her and therefore the only conclusion, she has been slain!”

Cardinal Ralora hides a tearing face behind trembling hands while Cardinal Vestan finishes her last circuit around me by embracing her follow Cardinal. I barely hear the whisper. “You know as much as I, one so devout would return to us as a Cult Spirit …”

Would she, I question myself. The Goddess is still battling for Rulership and without a God Plane spirits return to the Spirit Plane and yet the Magus is one. Perhaps while on this quest the Goddess is incapable of granting the boon of Cult Spirit upon her most faithful … still there is Nasim if Pex’s Spirit did roam the Spirit Plane wouldn’t she seek Nasim at the very least and upon finding him she would soon reunite with her Goddess. She must be alive is the only conclusion.

“For many reasons, I believe she is alive, and it falls to us to find her,” I announce.

Cardinal Taha stands beside … and over the two Snake Kin. “We have sent many agents out already to search, posted rewards in villages and towns. Nothing.”

I eye each in turn. “Perhaps we should ask the Arch Priest, will his three Cardinals accompany me?”

The two Snake Kin stretch out, their torsos rising upon their snake tails, while Cardinal Taha’s lips curl at the edges.

“Yes, why not …” she says with a rumbling conviction.

--- Arch Priest Allene Corser POV

“I am unable to complete the ceremony.”

Curse this interference. The plan is simple, Magus to create a portal to the Spirit Plane which I would then use to claim my place.

“Who?” Perhaps I could stop their meddling with the thrust of a sword.

Several moments pass. “I sense many, yet all led by one named Alba.”

His struggle to communicate is proof real of their efforts. Alba, my former Gar Spirit teacher, is bound to her ring, not flesh yet vulnerable if her ring and hence the binding enchantment is destroyed.

“These others, who are they?”

Again, a pause. “Many. All worshippers of her, the first though a Priestess, Alasse.”

I rub my hands together as a plan begins to form. Time for my Lizard Kin allies to earn their place. All in haste swim down several rivers to arrive at a certain Temple and then …

“Have the others cycled back to the Priestess?”

Magus answers my questions with long pauses in between, a sign he struggles to communicate and therefore holds utter trust in me to ask only what is required.

“No, many of the lesser ones, Initiates perhaps are now taking turns.”

Perfect, the Lizard Kin won’t have to struggle against the most powerful, to win the ring.

“I will win you free of this torment and then none will stop us.”

I place an ear against the door, absorbing the serenade of her pitiful hissing sobs one last time and then step forward ensuring I am inside the rune-inscribed circle. The bordering symbols and runes on the round stone tablet are an enchantment which I feed a drop of mana causing them to glow. In the next instant, I am in my office in the cathedral.

“Welcome back Arch Priest.”

The purring, superior Tiger Kin voice irritates and yet with my plans in the balance I refuse to be drawn into folly.

“Yes, one of the superior aspects of Sorcery, allowing me to venture throughout the Beast Kin lands in the service of our Goddess.”

Somehow unnoticed until now, my two Snake Kin Cardinals advance on either side of the Tiger Kin. It seems the older decides to speak first.

“Where is Cardinal Pex?”

I smile. I can’t help myself. “How did you gain entry to my private rooms is more to the point? What have you done with my loyal servants?”

An ugly stone-grey head peers in through the open door of my inner sanctum and at once I know.

“They were convinced to allow your Cardinals to investigate your absence. We thought you injured or worse.”

“Cardinal Taha, sister of the Prophet or not I am the head of Aphrodite’s worship and it is I who command, explain what you have done? Laying a hand upon my servants is akin to laying a hand upon my person as they are loyal to me and do my bidding.”

A silver pendant lands at my feet. Bouncing the once, a circle transfixed by a spear.

“Do you call Worshippers of Tor your faithful servants?”

The fools … no, perhaps singular, a fool. Don’t assume more evidence than what has been presented.

“Have you restrained him or her for questioning? Such infiltration will not be tolerated, not only by one of my servants but also inside the Cathedral. Were there any others?” I place my hands upon my face for effect noting the shared doubt between the Snake Kin as they exchange a worrying glance.

“Sorry Arch Priest, our doubts …”

Her quiet apologetic hissing music to my ears, yet I still, casual as you like shuffle towards my desk. “Such accusations though …” My eyes search for theirs; the yellow and black fur of the Tiger Kin blocks my attempt like an insurmountable wall. I resist the urge to pee as the imposing bulk closes upon me, instead, I grab the edge of my desk like a safe place all the while edging around, his gaze following, until I seat myself, the entire width of the large heavy hardwood desk now separating us.

Propping my elbows, I spread my arms, hands palms up. “I am sure a concession can be …”

His paw slams upon my desk rudely interrupting. “This isn’t a negotiation.”

A female Lizard is sent sprawling into my office and while she rights herself somewhat until on hands and knees, her head remains low and unseen by me in front of my desk. The two Snake Kin Cardinals hiss and pull back to the doorway joining the Lizard Kin thrower Cardinal Taha, a wide satisfying smile upon her lips.

I look into her eyes, throwing an angry challenge to explain her actions.

“You will learn Arch Priest that your allies once exposed are proud to proclaim their faith, in fact to a God of Justice skulking around in the shadows and behind lies is impossible. What say you now traitor!”

The final word resonates around my office. One person’s traitor is another person’s idol is my firm belief. I feed mana to the runes in the summoning circle under the rug upon which my plain wooden chair rests. In an instant, I vanish from their presence ready to continue fighting for my dreams from within a secluded, yet well-appointed abode fit for an aspiring God.

Stepping forward out of the summoning circle I about-face and cast [Manipulate Stone] smudging one rune and thereby breaking the enchantment. In the future, I can restore the rune and re-enchant the link, for now, I can’t take the chance of being followed. I stretch out and follow the corridor leading from the summoning chamber to the “front porch” of my hand-sculptured cavern in time to catch the setting sun, the last rays shining upon several Temple rooves in the distance. Quest Town awaits my arrival.

Sometimes the best way to get something done is to do it yourself and as the Arch Priest of Aphrodite, I should be able to stroll right into one of her Temples and secure a certain ring without any resistance.