--- Pex, Cardinal of Aphrodite POV

I dream. I call to my Goddess as I need an explanation. A reason why.

“I hear your call Cardinal, ask your questions.”

“Why did you use me like that? No warning, a complete surprise.” I rub my stomach without fully realising.

“I need to spread my spawn across this continent, and you were the first to be honoured in this way. During the consecration of the Great Temple, I absorbed many fertilised eggs and have been converting them for my use, to bring new life into this world. I gifted you motherhood.”

“No, Goddess, my body grew the eggs and birthed the eggs only. The creatures which hatch from those eggs will never identify me as their mother. You, perhaps… You have stolen a precious moment from me when I have suffered so much loss already. Me, your loyal and obedient servant nothing more than an egg farm, how is that being Godly?”

I think she has gone. is the guilt too much for her, yet I feel her presence. Like I did that fateful day, Aphrodite in all her splendour appears before me in her Lamia form, scales bright, a wide warm smile basking me in her divine kindness. Her lips caressed mine, a lingering kiss while her arms embraced me. Such security, the surety overwhelming. Yet behind her fierce body warmth and glow of divine energy, betrayal. The sweet memory of my sexual release, a simple cover for her to plant fertilised eggs in my womb.

I am asleep yet the warm tears rolling down my cheeks burn like molten fire. Her presence strengthens and I once again hear her commune to me.

“I have lost some of my power, the Realm of Disorder is locked away and my decisions are now more absolute, perhaps unfeeling, certainly strictly aligned to my remaining Realms. I must give birth to my creations, without the Disorder Realm I can’t manipulate the harvested eggs any longer and I don’t know when I can again. As a Goddess, I have not yet accumulated the Divine Power to walk amongst you as my true self, so I need others to nurture the fertilised eggs on my behalf. I needed to test how to do this … I didn’t tell you in case of failure … to spare you feelings of loss.”

“The feelings of success are hollow, Goddess, know that as an equal certainty. I remain your obedient servant, yet I must consider what the future holds for me now Magus Drexel Marner is once again banished to the Spirit Plane and hopefully, his plans foiled.”

“I regret not telling you our embrace was more than simply comfort. I regret not asking your permission before I transferred the fertilised eggs into your womb … I see that now. My desperation blinded me to consider you and the possible harm, yet with you, the transfer seemed a given, meant to be … I cannot fully explain what I can’t understand myself and now I must endure your disappointment in me.”

“Share your need with your High Priestess, I am certain many of your faithful will leap at the opportunity to warm and grow your fertilised eggs for you if you explained and asked beforehand.”

I feel the pressure of a hand on my shoulder, not crushing, yet persistent.

“I will but I suspect if any can, the number will be low, best case or none, worst case. Before I leave, I apologise and beg your forgiveness, as my intent was never to be hurtful.”

I open my eyes. Alba is shaking my body.

“At last! Your body contorted and writhed in your sleep… the strangers may have seen… Ottar deliberately rested in front of you to block their view, so maybe all is still well. What happened?”

I appreciate the concern in Alba’s voice, yet do I tell her the Goddess used me? Allene Corser used me, yet he was evil, I would expect better from the Goddess I believe in, to the point I worship her and encourages others to do so. Should I warn Alba? Would this do any good or is my disappointment, exactly that, my disappointment?

“I needed to commune with the Goddess about my future.” The words roll easily out of my mouth, an absolute truth aligned to the Truth Realm.

She caresses my head. “You can rest a while longer if you wish. I can strengthen Ottar, his size is more than enough, and we should be able to drag their ship back into the ocean.”

I don’t need rest; I need to take more control of my future. I slip my tail under my body and straighten. “I am ready, lead on, let’s get their ship away.”

---

Their ship cuts through the waves instead of riding over the top of them. They bury their companions beside the stream further up the cutting, in proper soil instead of sand and overall, they feel satisfied with that.

Captain Arend Dekens swaggers towards us, his clothes lose and flapping due to the onshore breeze, flashing a broad smile. “I am thankful, even if we could have launched our ship, many days and many lost lives would have been the cost. We will make for Queensport as you suggest. While the Empire and the Kingdom aren’t firm allies, they respect honest trade, and the diamond fragments should gain us supplies for the return voyage home.” He nods and turns to leave.

“Captain,” I call out.

He halts and turns back to face us, his face still wearing a smile.

“Would you accept a Snake Kin on your ship? I would like to visit your Kingdom if I could.”

I feel a hand on my arm and turn to meet Alba’s piercing eyes. “If any should undertake such a journey, it should be I, the Goddess’ prophet! And what of Ottar? How can you abandon him?”

“Would you accept three, Captain?”

He scratches his head, yet his smile never leaves his lips. “We owe Ottar a great debt and would be glad to be able to repay him, especially if he can row! We have more than enough spare bench, welcome aboard, but we need to leave now to catch the outgoing tide.”

As three we launch ourselves forward racing to catch the Captain who laughs loud and strong into the wind. Free once again to sail the ocean.

---

With Ottar’s assistance, their ship makes good time along the coast. The Captain though was correct, many of the benches were empty, meaning more than a third of the crew had been slaughtered by Magus Drexel Marner.

With Ottar rowing and within earshot I needed to ask the Captain a question and called him to us.

“Do we reveal Ottar or conceal him?” I ask upfront.

“We reveal him, we introduce him to Queensport by visiting the first Inn we find. His snow-white skin and full yellow beard may attract all sorts of feminine attention if he is lucky!” With that said he returns to his post by the steerage.

“How do you feel about that my friend?”

“I will not wander far from your side Cardinal.”

---

The militia of Queensport is out in full force as the Kingdom ship, under oar slowly approaches the docks. In fact, Captain Dekens deliberately slows the oar speed. In his words, they need to get a good long look at them and have time for any important persons to be called out.

We pull into a low dock; somewhat fortunate such a thing exists in this small outpost of a port. Then the Captain explains that larger ships that couldn’t dock would still require supplies, so smaller ships or boats would need to be loaded and then rowed or sailed out to them.

Ship rope lines secure us to the dock. Ottar stands while the Captain herds the crew to one side of the ship to balance his weight. On the dock the archers relax, their mouths agape due to awe, taking in Ottar’s height and size somehow forgetting the threat. He extends one large boot to the dock and the ship rocks, yet not to an extreme. He then employs the landed leg to draw his body to shore, instead of stepping off the ship. The ship tips yet settles quick enough and the crew cheer, bringing a pink flush to Ottar’s face. The blood rush does more to relax those about the dock than anything else.

Ottar lifts me out of the ship, while Alba uses a plank of wood following the sailor's lead. Three crew remain behind, having drawn the short straw.

“We meet again Cardinal Pex, although I don’t wish to judge you due to the company you keep, I would be remiss in my duty if I didn’t explain these sailors are from a Kingdom and not the Empire.”

I should have expected the Head Overseer to take an interest in the arrival of a foreign ship and especially one with a giant onboard. The Captain sidles up beside me yet remains quiet.

“I believe we need to resupply and then be on our way, but Captain Dekens can confirm what is required, I and my companions are but simple passengers on his ship.”

The Head Overseer looks over my shoulder and swallows. “I need to ask that your giant companion and you remain on the dock until your ship leaves. Both of you would create a stir in the town for little benefit.”

I flash him my most predatory smile. “Do you think you could stop us?”

“Probably, maybe, although why cause such chaos when you can ask for what you want, and I will organise others to deliver?”

“A barrel of wine, a barrel of mead and a barrel of ale. Glasses and mugs to suit, probably something like a bucket for Ottar … I will leave this for you to solve.”

He replies with an uncertain nod and can, fortunately, turn his attention to our Captain who introducing himself. The Overseer replies in the Kingdom’s language, why am I not surprised. Alba and I lead while Ottar follows. Shoulder to shoulder we clear enough of the wharf to avoid the embarrassment of Ottar stepping on someone a bit slow or inattentive to move aside. At the end of the wharf, we look out to sea. Endless blue.

--- Cale Exsmith, Head Overseer of Queensport POV

“You met them, and …” asks my wife.

“They are intent on leaving, all of them. The turn of the tide should see them on their way, I am uncertain what you want me to do.”

“What of her Goddess? Doesn’t she wish to convert us all or something?”

Leaning on the balcony rail of my high office, I spy on them now, three friends sharing a drink at the end of the wharf, a Human, a Snake Kin, and a Giant …

“I think the destruction of her Goddess’ Shrine put pay to those plans … a guess though.”

A tug on my shirt sleeve breaks my staring and I face my wife.

“Weren’t we trying to introduce her to the Emperor? The two religions against each other and we pick their bones?”

Why is she holding on to this? Do I need to explain the improbabilities?

“Do you propose we walk do there and let them know they should be sailing on an Empire Ship because that way you will meet an Emperor instead of a King and be able to convert so many more to worship your Goddess? Basically, let them know they are missing the real potential of human civilisation.”

She nods. “Well, yes. Good for them and good for us.”

I smirk. “I will if you will.”

“What does that mean?”

“Simple accompany me, I will introduce you and together we can try and manipulate them into changing course,” I say.

She holds a crooked arm to me. I accept of course.

---

“Cardinal Pex, I would like to introduce my wife, Fawn. She practices some magic and is my best friend and wife.”

The Snake Kin draws herself up, sways slightly and stares at us both. “A pleasure. Welcome to the end of the wharf Inn.”

The human beside her giggles as the Snake Kin lounges upon a convenient crate, her previous place of rest.

Are they drunk? I pick up the barrel of wine, light. The barrel of mead, light. The barrel of ale feels empty.

I shrug. My wife storms off back along the wharf. I take one last look and I chase after my wife.

--- Captain Dekens POV

“Are the stores aboard?”

“Yes, Captain. As soon as the tide turns, we can be on our way. Night tide or morning tide?”

The Overseer and a female make haste up the wharf, their time with my passengers short indeed. What were they trying to achieve?

“Are all the men back?” I look about on the ship and most seem to be, yet only a count will confirm so.

“Two are missing, but they are scouring this town for the special items you asked for.”

I nod. “I will visit our passengers and advise them of our departure. Rustle the crew, prepare the ship to sail.”

“For sail Captain? While in port?”

“While marooned, the afternoon always blew a strong landward breeze out to the ocean, and I mean to make good sailing distance today.”

“Aye, Captain.”

What I didn’t share with my first mate was the fact that we needed to be away as far as possible when someone finally checks what we have purchased. Our passengers have been most useful, knowing the Overseer has lulled the man and the town into a false state of security. Yet I must ask what they discussed with the Overseer.

---

I don’t wish to sneak up on them or eavesdrop, so I whistle a happy tune as I approach, and they turn to face me and let out a happy welcoming shout.

“We are readying to leave, thought I would let you know,” I say.

“Thank you, Captain, our plans haven’t changed,” says the Snake Kin, much to my relief.

I turn to leave and then deliberately pause. “Ah, the Overseer, did he wish you well on your journey perchance?”

The giant releases a belly laugh while the human giggles. I look up into the face of the Snake Kin for an answer.

“His wife escorted him, and we detected magic on her, in her and around her. I am certain they had a plan but needed us coherent to convince us. A simple ruse, for us to pretend to be drunk. After all the barrels are near empty. Unfortunately, they believed we each kept to our barrel. Instead, we shared, encouraging Ottar to expand his tastes.”

“You aren’t even curious?” How can anyone not be at least curious to find out what is on offer?

“My guess would be, we sail to the human lands on an Empire Ship instead of yours. We prefer to travel with you and are hopeful you remember the favour we did for you which may see us safely to our destination instead of swimming in the ocean mid-trip.”

“I swear to you now, I will see you delivered safe and sound to the best of my ability Cardinal. As you say, it is the least we can do to repay your deeds on our behalf.”

She nods and looks back at her companions who climb to their feet and stretch.

“We will follow you now then. I am certain loading Ottar into your ship will require care and care requires time.”

Does she know? How would she know that I plan to leave in a hurry once I have the maps? She can’t know. Still, she is correct, loading Ottar will take time and he is best seated before the two men return.

---

The shore breeze picks up, as it did yesterday and the day before. Sailing with the tide will be a significant start, yet with the strength of the breeze and a shallow draught ship even the tide could be defeated, and a ship make open sea. The giant sleeps with the Cardinal and the Human in each arm, at peace. The sail is resting between the bench rows, while the oars are ready to be deployed when I give the order. The men are alert and ready …

---

I scan the wharf, the breeze is up, and the ship is ready. Now is the ideal time and yet neither of them returns, no wait. I peer around a few others on the wharf, and I spot one. A single sailor strolls along the wharf, taking a swig from a small barrel every so often. He is hurrying, yet not. I am certain he has nothing on him. The decoy. They would only separate if they thought someone became suspicious.

A troop of ten militia double time along the wharf, they pass the single sailor, who continues with the ruse. The militia deploys across the wharf and then marches towards the town. The sailor waits for them to reach him, allowing them to thoroughly rough him up with a minor protest while they search him. Like I said he has nothing on him. The militia takes his barrel and except for that loss, shortly after he throws the wharf ropes back into the ship and joins us withdrawing the plank of wood behind him.

The sail is deployed and with breeze, tide and oar we make good speed. The crew hauls in one of the wharf ropes which fell into the water and hauls in a man who at some unknown time fell overboard. A new blanket is shortly around his shoulders while I meet him under the temporary canvas cover, which serves as our only protection from sun and surf.

“Sorry for taking so long Captain. We have a prospecting map of the coast hereabouts, a general plan of the town, highlighting the Inns, with some additional business, as many as we could identify and finally as you suggested we searched for an old map of the first settlement and outskirts. As you say, proper fertile land, yet they abandoned the settlement. When we started questions about why was when suspicions were raised. There is a secret there, I’ll wager Captain.”

I pat him on his shoulder and wonder. Would our passengers be able to tell us more? With land for farming and a fortified town, the position would be near self-sustaining better than the other failed attempts. The Kingdom didn’t have the ships to lose to supply a town the size of Queensport on a sand beach shore. According to the spies, the amounts of gold and precious metals being extracted weren’t enough to cover the costs, a certain Duke is. Which suggests mining isn’t the reason for this town’s existence and if not, what is?

--- Aphrodite POV

[God Plane – Ruler God Throne Room]

I adopt a human form when I wish to pace. Easy, convenient no need to worry about extremities, like a tail. Cardinal Pex’s faith has been tested, yet she hasn’t forgiven me. Also, Magus Drexel Marner concerns me. While banishment to the Spirit Plane is an outcome, nothing would prevent another summoning. One of his accomplished apprentices is most likely to call him, to test if he truly is dead instead of missing. No, obliteration, like Tor is the preferred outcome for a rogue such as the Magus.

I would need to call on Dilia to confirm his whereabouts and possibly fetch him to me. I wonder what this will cost me, yet I need to put something in motion to prevent his return.

“Dilia!” I call.

She strolls into my throne room, so considerate, instead of simply popping into view. Her black fur, black leather clothes and black boots suggest a theme …

“Greetings Goddess of the Overworld.”

“Greetings, Aphrodite.” She performs a swallow curtsy.

“I would ask a small insy tinsy favour if you would be so kind,” I say in my cutest voice.

She smiles. “No how are things? How is the Overworld? Or even how am I or Thanaron?” Her black-gloved hand touches her chest.

“We can do chit chat if you want, but I examine the reports on each God in my Pantheon and I am intimately aware of whatever you could recall in any chit chat Goddess.”

Ah, crap, Truth Realm minus Disorder Realm strikes again. Dilia giggles, until she bursts into laughter.

“This is so amazing, Aphrodite, you must speak the truth. It is refreshing, actually and in this same spirit I will try to do the same.” She rolls out another curtsy.

“I did notice, you managed to recruit Arnora upon her death, denying her Spirit return to Zeus. I would think such an act akin to a declaration of war you realise.”

She materialises a stool and plonks her smallish body down and crosses her knees. “Yes. I wanted to learn about him, the one you previously served and the one who even now strives to retain his existence in our world. Her son unfortunately is still alive and his prophet, his sole agent in existence. When I claim his Spirit, Zeus will be done, and he can rage all he likes.”

“My followers have not encountered him in recent times, if they do, I will inform you of his existence, purely so you can track his progress of course. I will be particularly diligent if you would do me this small favour.”

“Let me judge the worth of this favour first,” she retorts.

Fair enough, value and worth, are not always the same thing to all parties when bargaining.

“Magus Drexel Marner. One of my followers reports he has been Discerped to the Spirit Plane. I wonder if you could fetch him to your court and perhaps entertain him like you are with Arnora? I would prefer him to be kept out of harm’s way.”

Her legs flick out in turn. “Um, how can I say this, I can’t.”

I tense and then release. There must be an explanation. “You refuse to assist?”

“Listen to my words, I can’t. That is not the same as I won’t.”

I materialise a chair and plonk myself upon it. “Say the words …”

“Magus Drexel Marner’s Spirit still resides within the world.” She jumps from her chair clapping her hands. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Another mystery solved.” She grabs my arms and looks up into my eyes. “One of Tor’s followers entered the Spirit Plane recently, a rather strong Greater Spirit, well after all the strays you let loose, which Thanaron rounded up he was incredibly upset one escaped his notice. Now I can put his concern to rest. I am certain he would want me to thank you on his behalf.”

Her bright eyes are somehow inappropriate in a Goddess who deals with the dead, yet Dilia certainly enjoys her Realms.

“Can you find his Spirit?”

She taps her chin. “My Priests perhaps could, although the Spirit is probably bound to an object and they most likely would have to touch the object. Unless he casts his magic perhaps. But to be absolutely truthful, we are here, and he is down there, and the boundaries exist for a reason.”

“Thank you, please advise me if he ever returns to the Spirit Plane,” I ask.

“I will count placing Thanaron at ease as credit for that small ask.”

She disappears.

“Cardinal Pex, your Goddess calls to you.”

I pace. Try again and pace. Is she gone? How can that be?

“Prophet Alba, your Goddess calls to you.”

“Initiate Ottar, your Goddess calls to you.”

All fail.

In desperation, I call up the Ruler God Menu System. Most of the movement capabilities require a holy site, with limited movement beyond. If freedom to move anywhere is possible I don’t have enough Divine Worship Magic points available to reveal any such additional purchase option. I am certain it exists; otherwise, how could Zeus visit my creator at will without a holy site nearby. I do have enough points to place a Quest upon one of my worshippers. But who? Cardinal Pex, Prophet Alba and Initiate Ottar are of three different distinguishable races on the ocean side of the mountain range. The quickest path would be through the twin Dungeons if they could be recruited to enable such an exception, although over the mountains via the Frost Giant holding and then down the mountain path would be another.

--- Magus Drexel Marner, Greater Spirit

I spy on them, in the afterglow of their false victory. They have taught me an important lesson though, which I must be begrudgingly appreciative of and that is don’t make yourself a large target, especially a slow-moving one. I was fortunate to find a ship of stranded sailors, otherwise, I would have needed to race my pursuers to a rumoured Kingdom village further along the shore and stage my defeat there. Only they would possibly doubt the incompetent, stuttering performance of my smaller stone statue, so I needed new enemies to best me, leaving them to witness the end and deliver the coup de grace. The clumsy performance was solely due to the former worshipper of Tor resisting his final purpose. I did guarantee he would survive, given the fortified [Spell Resistance] I placed upon his gem, a return to the Spirit Plane, not obliteration but he held a grudge because he blamed me for Tor’s fate, such a complainer.

Still, how they could believe a shattered Spirit could talk normally after defeat is a wonder. Did they want to believe in my demise so much that any other outcome was therefore unthinkable? It is the only explanation. Time for a peek at my current surroundings. I cast [Sight Projection] a great distance from my current location. I have no concept of direction and chuckle when a fish swims by. The ship of the stranded sailors in upon the ocean. If that direction is down, then the opposite must be up. I cast [Sight Projection] again.

From above, I examine the ship. One third is under a canvas cover, the Captain accompanies the tillerman and the ship is under full sail making good time as the size of the ship diminishes rapidly due to my view position remaining static. Before the spell expires due to range, I look around. Ocean in every direction, which means I have finally left that accused continent and Aphrodite’s worshipping spawn. Time for the Magus of the Empire to return, although I am certain a Kingdom would be well within my capabilities to either destroy or make great depending upon their level of appreciation of me. I wish to belly laugh and can’t. Sometimes it is the simple things you miss the most.