Saorise’s fingers trailed over the old illustration in the childhood storybook she’d always had her mother read to her. Tales from the God’s City of Arden.

The picture before her was that of the Twelve Gods, all of whom were born when the stars in the night sky granted the lonely moon a purpose. To watch and record the will of the world.

There was Leisha to the side of the banquet hall, her hand reaching out to the flowering vines that were coming in through the window. In this image she was barely a woman, her smile so young and youthful, almost childlike.

On the opposite side of the window, watching on in fascination, was Kevaster with his oddly coloured eyes, the God of Wonders and Curiosities. He was also known as the God of Outcasts, as no one truly knew what to classify ‘wonders’ and ‘curiosities’ as. Saorise had always thought that perhaps it had something to do with his odd eyes. Maybe, quite simply, he was the God of Difference.

Behind Kevaster, in an embrace that was probably the tamest Saorise had ever seen them, were the God Inkat, and the Goddess Ika. These two were always counted as one god out of the twelve, but they were one of the few with two sides. In one depiction, they were the symbol of Marriage, love, child-birth and family life. On the other, they were Gods of Desire and Sin, particularly Lust.

Then, there was Ulran, with his huge, figure and his working leather. The God of Crafting was not to be intimidated by anyone other than Excavor who stood beside him, showing off his great sword with a smile that Saorise had always found to be somewhat creepy. Even more so now that she’d actually met him.

Seated at the table in the centre were two gods, seemingly fighting over the space. On one side, with her back to Excavor, was Janeel, the Goddess of Luck, who seemed to be in the process of counting coin and playing cards.

On the other side, trying to ignore Janeel with his nose stuck in a book, was the God of Knowledge, Tine.

Behind Tine, his flute lifted to his lips as he played a merry tune, was the God of Healing, Dorvin. Saorise could not help but trace her fingers over the image. This had been the God she had seen last night. She was sure of it. The God and the one he was training. It had been a close call, and Saorise was relieved that she had managed to destroy, or at the very least harm whatever it was that had come for her before it found the God and the girl in the cave. She was younger. Younger than Saorise expected. But she could hardly expect the Gods to pick Warriors of all the same age, could she?

The next God in the image, glaring at the table full of books and coin instead of the banquet, was the Goddess of Plenty, Pari.

The next two gods, Nevarithe and Lycole, were the Gods of Fire and Water respectfully. They seemed to be facing off, their eyes warring as their elements may have been able to do also.

Finally, in the farthest corner from Leisha and partially in shadow, but still looking over her, was Xin, the God of Time. He was perhaps the least known God of the Twelve, but he was also the only one that could hold a candle of Leisha’s power. He was the one to hold her restrained just as she held him. Though, from every story there was, they desired little to do with one another, even despised each other.

The Pantheon of Arden was by no means hurt for variety, and Saorise had always been assured that the Moon was never short of records to keep. But now, as her finger fell away from the book and she looked up at the first rays sunlight peaking into her bedroom window, she wondered if perhaps there could have been less, if only so it was easier to find and unite so many differing personalities.

With a sigh, Saorise closed the book and slipped it back onto the shelf in her room, turning to the basin of water and washing her face.

These were problems for another day. Right now, she had to prepare herself. She had to prepare her people. She could delay no longer, the army would start arriving soon, and so would those she had sent for.

“Helen?”

The door promptly opened, the woman in question poking her head inside, “Yes My Lady?”

“Tell the arriving Lords that any additions to the Shadow Core are to wear a red leaf on their person, visible to the eyes. If anyone asks, they are showing their ready support for the changing times,” said Saorise.

“Yes, my Lady, I shall pass the message along,” said Helen.

“It goes without saying to keep this information away from prying ears,” said Saorise, “But if they do discover it, I need others ready to act”.

“I shall have it arranged,” said Helen.

“As for the incoming conscripted, each name will be taken as records, make sure their measurements are taken too, we’ll need to gather several tailors and suppliers to arrange uniforms and basic packs for each. If someone doesn’t have a weapon, arrange for them to be given one at my expense,” said Saorise, “We shall host examinations for Officer Positions two weeks from now. Anyone who arrives late may present themselves with proper recommendations. I’ll have them take position temporarily, but these will likely be rearranged when our number merges with the Wendolan armies”.

“Understood, my Lady, I shall have this all arranged and report to you this afternoon,” said Helen.

Saorise nodded, turning to dress before she paused, “And Helen?”

“Yes, My Lady?” asked Helen.

“I…I’ll miss you”.

Helen smiled warmly, “I will miss you too, child, but someone has to take care of your aging father”.

Saorise nodded in agreement, then turned back to her wardrobe, hearing the door of her bedroom shut behind her.