Our scouts came back with the news that Destruction’s army was some distance away from the base of the mountains and that we should be able to leave the forest for the next leg of the journey. So, after a good meal, everyone made sure to get some sleep, ready to set off in the depths of the night again.

It took around half an hour to break free of the forest, but our speed increased dramatically once we were back out in the open.

Sania and I took to the skies to help out with the scouting, but so far, everything was quiet. Distant fires lit the horizon in a couple of places, but nothing so close as to cause an issue.

Even daylight offered no more signs of trouble. Only a desolate, well trampled landscape. No animals scurrying about, barely any vegetation that hadn’t been stripped clean by the rampaging armies.

While the going was easy, finding food was looking to be essentially impossible and when we stopped in the shadow of the mountains as the sun dropped low in the sky. Returning to Far Reach with my begging box was our only option. I’d communicated with Johan earlier in the day that it might be a possibility, though if we could find enough food, we would. Wind of the Wild and his ability to hunt far afield, was our second-best option for food, but he could only return with so much and it sure as hell wasn’t enough to feed six thousand people.

“We could easily go a few more days with the bare minimum,” Sania said. “It can’t be easy to feed the entire town and us.”

“While I agree and I do have sympathy for our people back home, there may come a time where we are under pressure and have no choice other than to go without,” Danivra said. “For now, while things are relatively calm, it may make sense to ensure everyone is fed and rested, so when such a time comes, we are in a position to deal with it far better.”

“Damn, Danivra you’ve got a point. Johan said they were trying to put food aside for us. I’ll head back and see what I can do. What do I do about Devotion?”

“If you think she can be trusted, then do it,” Sania said.

“As long as the terms are not in her favour and you are to be treated at the very least as an equal, then yes, take the deal,” Danivra added.

Grigor shrugged. “If it will help and we lose none of our independence, then I can agree to this.”

“I expected you all to say no,” I chuckled uncomfortably at the thought of making the deal with Devotion. “I was still on the fence, but you’ve all convinced me.”

“You should still only make the bond if you feel comfortable with it,” Sania said. “Trust your instincts.”

“I’ll speak with her again. I know I have all of your blessings to make the deal, so we’ll see. We do have a lot of people to look after, and good friends are hard to find. At the very least It’ll be funny to see the Mother’s face when she finds out. Not to mention Mal and Elsbeth.”

“That’s rather petty,” Danivra said with a wry grin. Sania just snorted and shook her head as I chuckled, heading over to the box of haulage.

“Gotta take these little victories where you can,” I said over my shoulder, before pulling out the box of Multi-fit vials and putting them on the ground beside Danivra. “Don’t really need to be returning with those.”

“We wouldn’t want Grimstrom trying to take them back,” Danivra said without hardly any hostility at all.

“Yeah, you never know with those guys,” I agreed. “Okay, I’ll get this done. Hopefully shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

Focusing on my regular spot out front of the castle in Far Reach, I appeared there in the next moment. It was much darker here, because we were surrounded by mountains on all sides. Despite that, the streets were still surprisingly busy. Around the tavern in particular was a hub of activity and that pleased me more than I could say. It looked very busy, and I suspected we might need a second tavern already. I felt Far Reach deserved a bit of a pub run.

As I headed over, suspecting I might find Joel there, I considered a bar section of my restaurant would be in order. I’d have to get someone else to run it, as I would be too busy in the kitchen, but it would add to the culture of the place. A smile spread across my face as I considered it. Was it possible? Would anyone leave me alone long enough to do it? I sure fucking hoped so. I’d need to train up a couple more chefs to take over for when I was inevitably called to battle. I’d put up an advertisement when I was settled in. I chuckled to myself as I waved to those tavern goers on benches outside.

Slurred shouts of, “M'lord.” And. “Can’t wait till you get back safe with us.” Filled my ears.

Replying as best as I could to everyone, I finally made it to the door of the tavern. Crouching down I poked my head inside. It was far too busy to admit my massive frame, so I just scanned the room for Joel. He was at the bar with Lierin, talking to George who was behind the bar, serving. When he saw me, he beamed. I waved at George, then pulled back out of the bar before I caused an injury to someone.

Joel and Lierin came out to meet me in the main square a few moments later.

“Hey Dude! You’re back. Johan said you probably would be.”

“Sadly, mate. I hoped we wouldn’t have to again, but there’s fuck all to eat up there.”

“Yeah, not much meat here either. It’s getting damn sparse and the poor wildlife in the area’s gonna take an age to recover. We’ve got a few bits of livestock. Chickens and pigs so far, but nowhere near enough to keep everyone going. Most of what we have is through trade with Malatia and Darkness and truth be told, it’s still a pretty one-sided trade deal with them both. The majority of what we have is flour or potato based. I have a chip butty most nights for my tea,” he laughed. Could do with more butter, but it’s mainly used in the baking at the minute.”

I nodded along. “That’s not great is it. Though a chip butty sounds cracking at the minute. Anyway, we’re not fussy. I just need to put calories in mouths for the next couple of weeks, then we should be back.”

“Calories is about all it is,” Joel said. “Mainly oat biscuits, bread and a few sacks of tatties, but it’ll keep you tided over I reckon.”

We reached the castle where I’d left the crate, and he eyeballed me sourly. I’ll bloody load it up, seeing as you don’t fit down into the cellar.”

“Cheer’s buddy,” I said, slapping him on the back gently. “I need to pop over and speak to Devotion while I’m here.”

“Mal will probably be happy to see you. He’s boosted his levels by a bit and he’s over the moon with himself that he’s caught up to me again. Been fighting Destruction up north every minute he gets.”

“Ah shit. I could probably do with him not doing that at the minute,” I mused thinking over the deal I’d made, and also the number of troops Destruction now had in Kalabri. “I’ll have to make sure I speak with him as well.”

“Wait a minute,” Joel said, coming to a halt. “Why would you not want him fighting Destruction?”

“I’ve got an uneasy truce with them. It won’t last, but it suits us both at the minute. I’d prefer it if they’re only attacked when they cross the borders into our land.”

“Oh right. Definitely don’t want us poking at that then. Hopefully Destruction won’t hold you accountable for what Devotion’s soldiers do.”

“That depends on how this chat with Devotion goes. Need to keep it quiet at the minute, but…” I said, casting my eyes around. “…I’m making a more permanent alliance with her. As equals.”

Joel's eyes widened. “Really? I thought you still didn’t trust them, though I’ve got to say, it’s been great having them here despite it all.”

“It’s a tough world, and we need to make the best of it,” I replied with a shrug.

“Good luck with that, mate. I’ll get your stuff in the box. Won't take long. Most of it’s stored in boxes of holding already. We got a few more delivered from Laurel to store stuff for you,” he said, before turning to Lierin. “Will you go let Hek know Clive is here?”

Lierin smiled. “Sure will. He’s always eager for you to turn up,” she said to me. “He really likes you.”

I chuckled at that. “No. He just wants to hear news that Danivra is okay. He tolerates me.”

Lierin smiled and headed off with surprising alacrity down the street.

“I think you’ll like the surprise he has for. Him and Grimstrom worked real hard on it.”

“Not much of a surprise then, Joel,” I chided. “Considering when I left, I set Grimstrom and Hek off working on an awesome club for Freeler together.”

“Fair point. But I still think it’ll surprise you. Now stop chin wagging, I want another pint afore bed, and you have a goddess to speak to.”

We parted ways and I crossed the square again. This time to the Temple of Devotion. The door was closed as dusk settled in, so I had to knock.

It was a different priestess who answered the door, and a grin yanked at the corners of my mouth.

Meria Sandwood: Level 21, Priestess of Devotion, Human

My smile dropped as her face turned to one of horror for a moment until recognition hit home. “Lord Clive?” She answered tentatively.

“Meria!” I boomed. “Long time no see. I can’t believe you’re here!”

“Ah yes, I heard you were altered though I can scarcely believe it,” she said, still eying me speculatively.

Seeing her now, from last time in the Temple of Devotion in Laurel, I really felt the passage of time since we’d come here. There were no traces left of the girl she’d been.

“Congratulations on becoming a Priestess! It’s friggin awesome to see you again.”

“You too, Lord Clive. I see your rise in power and acclaim has been markedly different from everyone else on Falritas.”

“Well, I doubt there’s as many people in Falritas who have been killed or taken to within an inch of their damned life as much as me. Certainly not in such a short space of time. I seem to attract powerful enemies like shit attracts flies.”

She laughed at that, covering her mouth as she did so. “I see your use of French hasn’t diminished.”

It took a moment to understand what she meant, but our first meeting came back to me quickly.

“Yeah, still excuse my French,” I replied, laughing along with her. “So, are you staying here?”

“Yes, I am. Though training acolytes might be difficult here, as no one wishes to follow Devotion,” she said meaningfully. “We still intend to help the people who live here as much as we can.”

“Good of you. May I come in? I need to speak to the boss.”

“She and Mal have retired for the evening. I will of course go and get them for you.”

“It’s Devotion I need to speak with. This should be the last time I need to use the altar if things go how I think they will.”

She looked aghast. “You wish to touch the altar?”

“Errr, yeah, you can go ask her first if it’s alright. You can do that, right?”

I recognized the hunted expression on Meria’s face as she spoke. “I’m not sure she would appreciate such an intrusion, Lord Clive.”

“You’ll be fine, I promise. She’s not that uppity.”

Meria clasped her hand over her mouth, before muttering. “You can’t say that.” Her eyes darted around as if the temple was about to fall down.

“It’ll be okay, trust me Meria. You can get Elsbeth to do it if you’re uncertain.”

She eyed me silently for a long while before I saw the resolve harden in her eyes. “I will speak to Devotion. Please wait here until I do so.”

She pushed the door leaving it slightly ajar, so as not to be rude I assumed. And I waited, thinking back on the last time I saw Meria. It had been when she proudly handed me the Hoodie of Devotion. I was really glad she was here, and I hoped Devotion was kind to her.

She returned looking white with shock, underpinned with an air of excitement. “The Goddess of Devotion will speak with you, Lord Clive.”

As she moved to the side of the door, I ducked under the frame and made my way up to the altar. With a wink for Meria, I placed my hand on the cold stone.

“Okey dokey, Devotion. Are we making a deal then?”

“How sweetly you court my friendship, Lord Clive.

“Ah yeah. Well, I’ve never really done this before. I gather this is a case of me getting a strong ally now and you hedging your bets for the future?”

“That and I believe in balance. It is why I tolerate your rudeness. I accept it as part of who you are. The original Creation was temperamental at times, too.”

“Hakan? That fucker was bi-polar at times. Never knew what I was going to get from one minute to the next. If I ever get enough power, I’m gonna hunt the bastard down if he still exists. I still have a few questions I need answering.”

“I might have a few questions of my own to send with you.”

“Sure, just let me know. I’m like google on dial-up. Just put a question in. Wait a thousand years and I’ll get you an answer.”

“Very funny, Clive. Shall we begin? Once this is done, we will be able to speak at will. I have a feeling you won’t be bothering me overly much.”

“I might surprise you. Hey Devotion, what type of rock is that? Hey Devotion, where’s the nearest hazelnut tree? Hey Devotion, what’s the tallest mountain on Falritas? Hey Devotion...” I laughed. “You get the point.”

“I do, and I am having strong second thoughts about this arrangement,” she replied, unamused, causing me to laugh even more.

“Lord Clive, would you like to reach out a tendril toward my own.”

“You’re just full of fun today aren’t you?” I said playfully, then reached out a tendril of golden Neuma towards the altar. As I activated my Neuma sight, I was blown away by the insane amount of power the chunky blue tendril hovering in front of me held.

“Shit, Devotion, that’s... potent!”

“My apologies. It’s difficult for me to gauge my power all of the way from Onnekus like this. I felt it was a weak projection.”

“Maybe it is. For you,” I said, suffering a little from performance anxiety. Thankfully she didn’t seem to notice my lack of girth.

“Focus on connecting to mine as I will yours. Do not pull on my energy. Everything we do must be as equals.”

Following her instructions, a few moments lapsed before I felt the Meridians merge. Her Ethereal power shot through my extended meridian, directly into my core. I felt mine pulled in the opposite direction into hers. The whole process sent a shiver through my entire being, and while I didn’t look too closely at where my tendril of power now led, I was aware that it was vast.

“It is done, Soul Mate. We are bound.”

“Sweet. What now then? I thought I’d get some notifications for bonding with a Goddess for a start.”

“There is nothing pressing for me. We can speak of our plans at length once you return to Far Reach. As for notifications, I have supressed the bond so it is not detectable by others. My apologies, but you will receive no experience for the action until I remove the suppression.”

“Well, that’s disappointing, but whatever. It’s not why I made the bond. Can I ask you a question before you go? And seriously. I was only fucking around before when I said about constantly badgering you with questions. But this one’s been bugging me.”

“Go on then. But I may not be able to answer. I am still confined to some rules. You being at Ethereal stage one allows me to circumvent some, but not all of the rules.”

“Okay, so. I couldn’t diffuse some of the powers of Justices Triumvirate. They had red Neuma in them too, which I associate with Destruction. How’s that possible? And how are they anchoring their powers like that?”

“It is common for gods and higher leveled beings to be able to do this. Though in recent eons there have been none among the mortal races capable of manipulating Neuma in this way. It appears Justice has ensured his most powerful people are able to do it again. Expect for the ability to filter down to others in time. It will need to be taught.

As for the color of the power. It is not as important as perhaps you think. Minor frequency differences, that is all. The lower energy frequencies tend to be darker in color.

“So how do I counteract it?”

“I cannot tell you Clive. That will overstep my agreements with the others.”

“Okay, I get that shit you’ve all got going on,” I said thoughtfully. “What if I guess the right answer? Can you give me an affirmative?”

“If you are quick at guessing. There is a limit to how long I can hold myself here at any one point unless I create an avatar.”

“Like a body to reside in? Why don’t you?”

“We have agreed that it should be forbidden as it is interfering. Now make your guesses. Bonding you required a lot from me, so you have a few minutes at best.”

“Okay, okay. You said frequency, rather than trying to move the Neuma, can I change the frequency of the power to make it act differently?”

“That is incredibly intuitive, Clive. I must admit to being impressed. As I suspected, you didn’t need me at all.”

“Well, I needed to hear about the frequencies. I’ll not keep you any longer about it. I’m sure I can work the rest out from there. Thanks D.”

“No, Clive. That...” I chuckled letting go of the altar so she couldn’t continue berating me for calling her D.

“…WILL NOT BE PERMITTED!” she boomed in my head. Dropping me to my knees with the power of her voice.

“For fuck’s sake, Devotion,” I said wincing. Gripping my head still. “It was a bloody joke.”

“What I’m most amazed by is your ability to forget how our bond works now. You are an anomaly Clive. Intuitive and intelligent in one breath, then an absent minded fool in the next.”

“Guilty as charged,” I replied, getting to my feet.

Devotion left my mind. Now I just faced a very worried looking Mal, Elsbeth and Meria.