300 years ago
some souls become leaders because they are fearless.
some souls become leaders because they grew to be wise.
some souls become leaders simply because they are old.
None of those cases were true for (high doge) Pietro Venier. He had somehow or another achieved the highest position of leadership in the city through sheer luck and he regretted the decision to accept the position every day. Not because he wasn't qualified he thought, after all, he had more brains than everyone in the city put together. It wasn't that he was cruel, on the contrary; he had more allies than most.
In fact, the reason he hated the most powerful seat of office in the city wasn't his fault. Everything would be perfect if it wasn't for the bloody angels and the nobles that cared about card weavers.
Some years ago some idiot had gotten a couple of cards and decided that he knew how to speak to the gods and read the future, and lo and behold, the world was ending. ''well…la di fucking da''He said to the air in his private office. At first everyone just didn't paid attention to the guy, but suddenly, as if by magic. BAM!, angels appeared in their big, ugly and shiny floating city.
Not happy with that then every card reader of the future decided that ''hey, the world ending crap sounds fun''he mumbled, and now there was enough fear that several idiots had gotten themselves an idea of finding a ship and sailing for some islands or some other nonsense in the edge of the world. Idiocy. But problematic idiocy.
So, all in all, Pietro Venier was NOT a happy man, he was rich, young, ambicious; but not happy. And now, thanks to the mounting pressure, the people of his city and the allies abroad expected him to do something to ease the palpable tension. Which is why, when a small delegation of small, non important but somewhat insistent individuals asked to meet him, claiming to have the solution to the problem he simply repressed a sigh, and invited them to meet him on his private conference room.
''Are the idiots here yet?''He asked no one in particular in a loud voice, and almost immediately a voice could be heard behind his door.''I'm afraid not ser.''
After another sigh he got up and walked to the window that overlooked the city. ''Hagia Venetia'' he whispered, the jewel of merchants, and defender of the faith. He loved that city; the noise and the colors were unlike any other he had ever seen, and oh he had seen a lot. He had traveled leagues into the unknown seas and traded for everything in ports far and famous, just like a good son of the Hagia should. A nostalgic smile appeared at the thought, if there was one thing that this city was known for, it would be their ships. Every child learned how to love the sea in the city; so much so that they learned how to swim at the same time they learned how to walk.
It was a city of (merchants) and (sailors), from every point you could see a number of ships, sometimes small canoes people used to traverse the inside of the city, and other times, enormous carracks lined up at the port, with their mast flying flags and colors of every variety.
And that is what the fear mongering idiots that screamed end of the world were targeting when they claimed that a tidal wave would destroy half the city and then that fire would consume the rest. They were targeting the love people had for the sea, and reminding everyone that yes. Bad things happen in the sea. But never in the history of the free confederate cities had a tidal wave consumed a city. Nevermind a city filled with people that made their living at the sea.
After some few more seconds of contemplation he snapped at no one in particular and asked ''Are the idiots here yet?''
and then came the answer he was waiting for
''Yes sir, the delegation has arrived, I was about to inform you. They await you in the assembly hall''.
''Well then''he mused to himself''time to see what is in the mind of this lot.'' Walking quickly he passed every servant in the house and arrived at the meeting without waiting for anyone to introduce him and tried to dominate everyone in the room with his pace.
And then he turned and realized that one of his guest was an angel.
6 people had come to speak to him, 2 representing influential merchants, 2 representing nobles of the city, 1 knight representing the navy and finally.
It was supposed to be someone representing the faith, he expected one of the priests but this was unexpected, if the winged folk were trying to enter politics by dominating the cardinals then he would have to take cards in the matter.
''An angel'' he said mostly to himself. It took him a moment to realize he had wasted some seconds when he was surprised and switched tactics to rectify the situation. He walked to her and lightly kissed her hand and then looking her dead in the eyes he spoke again.''I am honored to meet you my lady. I didn't knew I would have such a unique visitor today''and after a few seconds of hesitation he threw the hook''apologies but, it was my understanding that I would meet a representative of the faith.''from the corner of his eye he watched the reaction of the other people present in the conversation and continued speaking.
''Might i have the honor of knowing your name my lady, I fear that if the faith of the light in my city had inducted an angel to their ranks I would know which tells me that you come from that city…what was it, Ephesia?
The winged folk smiled at that and finally the doge could appreciate her full appearance. She had a small body, hell, he was taller than her by a full head, but he was sure she was levitating a little the moment her hand came to his lips. Dressed in elegant but humble robes that differed from the ostentatious pieces used by the humans in the room the only thing of note were her wings. Two enormous wings adorned with small metallic decoration and bells; but what surprised him about them was the color because instead of white, they were a combination of light blue that ended in a kind red in the edges.
Her face was. Sadly. obscured by a small, almost transparent veil, but for what he could see he noted a meticulously applied red lipstick, and a skin the color of marble because of the white makeup; that contrasted with her small purple eyes.
''I thank you for your words, your grace, high doge Pietro. My name, is Aquina, and whilst I represent the Sphere of Ephesia, that is, the flying city of the three hierarchies, I am not an angel.''After a small pause, she pointed at herself and continued''I, am a seraph.''And then she surprised him when she denied all involvement with the priesthood of the city when she pointed at the nobles and said''the honorable gentlemen here asked for me to join this union, so we could give the high cardinal time to find his lost powers.''
Ah yes. that memory brought a smile to his face. Some few years ago the religious orders were incredibly powerful. After all, if you could call a god to heal or smite or shield then…well, whats the use in for example, healing magic or sword fighting. If a god grants you divine power then why shouldn't you say, command or rule. Why follow the laws of kings and emperors.
All his life the religious fanatics had been a pest in the city, gangs claiming to be just or right simply because they could call a god or another. Oh how happy had the nobles been when it was found that the cardinals couldn't call on the divines anymore. For years the church had operated with unregulated autonomy but now…now they begged and cried without direction looking for guidance in their holy scriptures.
At least until they jumped in the world ending prophecy ship.
And as if she could read her thoughts the next words out of her mouth were the worst she could have said. Almos kindly and somewhat slowly she began speaking ''The reason I come here today with this delegation, is to bring word of alarm…soon, a new era of upheaval will take this world by storm, and the only hope of your people in to leave now that they are able.''then she looked at the nobles present, giving them a chance to speak.
'(High doge)''one of them began''allow me to introduce myself, I am Marino Grimani, (lord) of the Grimani household. I come here with my fellow noble, (lady) Sarah Galler, of the Galler household''at this he pointed at his side and to the lady in question, who bowed, and then continued''we represent a union of nobles who wish to present a solution to the current fear and uncertainty that plagues the city''
Walking behind his desk and taking a seat, The (high doge) sighed audibly, ''well, don't stand there waiting. Let's hear it.''he said disinterested.
''Very well, you see my lord,most visions and prophecy's talk of certain doom…but, they also; sometimes, Talk about a path to save everyone''
''And what is this path?'' came the immediate reply.
It was here that almost everyone in the delegation looked at each other with some doubts; after all, the whole thing was madness. But the seraph answered without hesitation and a smile
''Your grace'' she began ''You must-''
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
City of the sun
Tenochtitlan
The silence that came before the proclamation was long and heavy.
5 souls had gathered in the throne room to discuss the future of the Sun Empire, the most important of these was seated in the throne of said empire. His name: Moctezuma II. He was the (Huey Tlatoani), the Reverend Speaker or (emperor) of the nahuatl and his entire life, his words had been the law. Glory always followed the edicts he created and confidence could be felt by his stride and voice in waves.
The entire population of the empire looked at him for guidance.
And the terrible secret he had in his heart was that he, for all the power and authority he controlled, had no idea what to do.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
The empire of the nahuatl was afraid, and fear tended to bring bad omens to a nahuatl that claims to be a half-god. Rebellions had already occurred in the provinces, all claiming the end of the world was nigh after examining the tablets of fates.
And how to tell them that they were wrong when he himself, for the past months, had scoured the temples for a sign of what was happening. Multiple questions were plaguing his head. Why did the tablets of fates suddenly reached their end, why did the temples suddenly stopped beaming with light, why did the grand vizier stopped calling forth rain and most important of all…
Why are the gods silent?.
Such a thing had never happened before. From the moment the alliance was born, the nahuatl race had strived for dominance in the region and now, after decades of war, they dominated the highlands. From the start all the different races and states of the region called them weak, cowardly, and other manner of insults. But war was more than just fighting with spears and shields, war was about words as well; about speaking and making promises and not just to the other mortals.
But with the gods as well.
The nahuatls were different than the other races around them. They weren't taller than the humans and elves, and they weren't stronger than say, a troll or an orc. No. what made them different was their skin. Were humans had skin with small hair, and drakes scales, the nahuatl had feathers. Not big feathers that allowed them to fly, they didn't even had them covering their entire body like the fur-covered Lakota; in fact, looked from afar, they were indistinguishable from say, an elf. In fact, they had hair as well yet no one else had plumage.
And to their eyes, the feathers were a sign of favor from the sky, and if the sky loved them then the sun and moon favored them as well. After all, they lived up there.
And their son walked the earth as the Huey Tlatoani. The Revered speaker of the gods.
So why were they suddenly silent?.
They sun and the moon still adorned the sky, and exchanged it normally without difference.
But they didn't speak anymore.
Taking a deep breath, the emperor looked at his (grand vizier) or (Cihuacoatl). She had the enviable duty of ambassador to the gods and of being the only soul capable of reading their edicts.
''(Cihuacoatl), repeat again the words you just spoke, because i can't believe that you would suggest such a heretical thing.'' Moctezuma said.
''Revered one, the tablets are clear, the calendar nears its end.''Then she looked at each member in the council before staring at the emperor dead in the eyes and spoke again.
''No one here knows how to interpret the words of the sun, moon and rain but me, and i tell you now, that if the nahuatl are to survive. We must follow their last instructions.''
Silence meet her proclamation. Of course, no one believed her. Chief amongst the opposition was the master of the house of darts, the (Tlacochcalcatl) or (marshal of the empire), who began speaking by challenging her directly ''You say these things out of fear.''standing up for dramatic effect he added''you claim that we will be destroyed by the fall of both the sun and moon, just like the rebel captives we sacrifice each day to the gods, and then what. A storm of ice?''
The look she gave him reminded him of his daughter when she didn't wanted to speak with him, and the tone of the reply reminded him of his wife when she was mad.
''Yes (Tlacochcalcatl), so far both the sun and our moon have guarded us but that will end. We will end. Ice will fall from the sky first as slowly as gentle rain, and then like a tempest. And then, the cold will take everything.''Again she looked at Moctezuma and pleaded.''Please revered one, you must listen to me, the gods depart and the realms will be broken, it's too late now to reverse that destiny. But''and she lifted her hands, as if to touch the emperor''we can save our people and preserve our way of life, every second we waste is a second we could use to secure a strong future and make no mistake. We are not the only ones that will try and find the best home''
That got their attention more than the warnings of impending doom, stupid warriors she thought, never caring unless it's a competition, and as if summoned by that idea another member of the council, the leader of the honor guard with the title of (tlacateccatl) or cutter of men asked the least important question of the day with the voice of a man used to kill''You claim we have to leave our lands, our city and our allies because of…ice''he almost spat the last word, and continued''and then you claim others will do so as well, are these enemies of our people?''
The (grand vizier) had to suppress a sigh at that, all of this would be easier if she could channel the power of the sun in her voice but alas, she had lost that ability with in a move so sudden she shivered to think of the implications. One day the sun radiated from inside her like an echo that followed her voice, and now, a mortal voice would have to do.
But maybe.
She suddenly perked up, and visibly straightened in her chair because at long last, that which was missing was found.
An idea
If she couldn't convince warriors to retreat.
She would convince them to conquer.
And then maybe some would survive.
''they are what all mortals that don't kneel before the sun throne become in truth.''
And the last member of the council, most of the time quiet and somber. Smiled. The master of the House of darkness, known in the empire as (Tlilancalqui), spoke one word, and everyone else in the room felt a chill in their spines.
'' Sacrifices.''
Right there Moctezuma understood the intention of the (Grand Vizier) and smiled as well before stating''well, my wise (Cihuacoatl), the temple and the gods are always thirsty, so if you know a place were we can find worthy captives for our…hunt; then perhaps we can see to it that the orders send and expedition or two'' then he glanced at the (Marshal) ''What say you (Tlacochcalcatl), are the jaguar and eagle orders ready for new sport?''
With reservation clear he began speaking''I think that the search of new challenges for our youth is always welcome,after all, we can only take so many of the nearby cities before they run out''
Then, a hand belonging to the cutter of men called the attention of the (Grand vizier), and he asked the most important question of the day''remind the council what the tablets say of this…safe haven please, how did they claim we can reach it?''
''Well''she began ''the tablets claim we have to-''
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City-state of Delphi
Shouting
He hated the shouting, but alas, that is what happens when the heads of state of every city in the league decide to come together to decide something.
''The council gives way to Quironte, great hero of Delphi, (Archer) of the star goddess and mentor of the risen.''
Quironte rolled his eyes at that introduction, everyone loved to say accomplishments that belonged to others around here, which is part of the reason he often stayed silent whilst they spoke. Alas, today his voice was needed if the Aetolians were to survive.
''Friends''he began by saying''I beg of you to listen to the oracle of my city one more time. I know Delphi doesn't have such a cultured history like some of your cities and that the (hoplitas) that several here command have both attacked and defended my state in the past''As usual, every one of the noble fops started nodding silently in approval, and were silent while he continued''everyone here has seen the signs, maybe the heroes of your own cities have spoken about the warnings of the all mighty Zeus, or the quiet whispers of hera or the messages of Hermes…Hades take me, even Aphrodite herself warned some of you before Olympus went silent.''
That brought whispers to the room, of course everyone had heard the signs, you had to be blind, deaf and particularly stupid to not notice. But then, silence.
The gods had never been silent before.
Every priest in the league was doing everything they could to find favor with them again, the priests of Poseidon were sacrificing bulls daily, the smith-priest of Hephaestus were working tirelessly in the forges, and the cult of Aphrodite was…well, working their magic, as if were.
And some cults, like the cult of Ares and Artemis were beginning to erode in some sort of civil war that threatened to plunge the rest of the Aetolian league into anarchy.
Realizing that he had lost the attention of the room he coughed once loudly and silence reigned again. all attentive not on his person, but the woman standing behind him.
The (oracle) of Delphi.
The woman was remarkable in every way, sitting there in a golden tripod, the way the veil and dress danced on her body showed a feminine body that was ever changing; sometimes, she was a small but plump woman with the face of experience. But suddenly, a change occurred, and the body in front of them was that of a tall, slender and beautiful young maiden with an innocent face; And on and on was she changing from form to form all different to every pair of eyes present.
Surrounded by thick fumes, there where only three things that were always present and never changing. She had three pieces of regalia that would make any conqueror jealous. First, she had a small, delicate laurel the color of spring on top of her head, that flowed and danced with the veil and the color changing threads of hair.
The second was a small stone she held in one hand, unremarkable in every way except for the fact that every soul in the chamber knew the name of that rock. The Omphalos, judge of heroes.
And the last were the sandals she wore, each sporting a small wing at the side of her ankles, flapping with abandon and spreading the smoke from the fumes that surrounded her.
After some seconds of silence, Quironte approached her, and bowed respectfully some paces in front of her. If she noticed or cared, she didn't show.
''Honored one''he began speaking with the most solemn voice he could manage''with humility I-''only to be interrupted by the voice of the oracle, old and young at the same time.
''you are not humble, son of Patrocles, but you will be; and then you will finally reach the power you seek.''next she addressed the audience, and they saw a child, no older than 10 speaking to them ''hear me well, for I will speak only once more here.''
''For now my vision is obscured and I see nothing before me. I see not my future, nor the future of any other mortal or inmortal.''
That statement got the attention of every soul in the room, and in the silence the audience saw a beautiful young woman sitting and speaking with a voice kings would admire and poets kill for.
''This is a situation that is temporary, for my role will change, I will always be an oracle, but instead of looking at the future, I will begin to look at every past, to find a way forward for every soul, mortal or inmortal that looks for my advice.''She then glanced at the ceiling of the temple, for a long time and with sadness in her voice continued''The age of molding has ended, old crimes have created greater ones in return, and now, all must choose.''
''Not even the gods can escape fate, no matter how hard they try everything…everything, ends.''
Now , Quironte witnessed an elderly woman, with a voice that lulled heroes to sleep''The world is at an end, all realms will fall on our sphere and the wall that separates us from the everything that surround us will be broken; the realms of the gods and monsters and legends and other creatures that we all believed to be tales or lost will unite in a storm of elements that will encompass the entire world.''
''either we remain and perish in the war of the elders, or we make way. For the lands of avan, for today, I, the oracleof Delphi, declare this to be the beginning of the age of myths .''
Quironte could have sworn then and there that he could hear the heart of some of the assembled. With difficult, he stood up and tried to hide the shaking of his hand behind his back when he turned once more to the leaders of the Aetolian league, only to hear a small flutter of laughter from the oracle, who obviously noticed. Now trying to contain the blush in his face he addressed the assembly.
''You have heard the prophecy, I have seen the stars, and consulted both (navigators) and our (sages). Beyond our coast, far into the sea, lies an archipelago, a new land, where life never reached or developed, it is… if my understanding is correct, the only piece of dry land this calamity will leave untouched.''
Then, he took his bow, and lift it with one hand,high above his head''I depart to this new land, and I will bring all I can with me, for we are sons of Aetolia. The center of the world; we must survive if the world is to prosper''
At his proclamation every member here began shouting his support, some wanted to set sail immediately, others wanted to bring an army, and one fellow even tried to begin an election so a city was denied the right of entry, it was this last poor soul that Quironte addressed''I'm afraid that such a thing will not be possible, King Azimondyas of Thessalonika, because we shall need every hoplitas under the command of the assembly. After all, we aren't the only ones that received this news.''Then after a few moments he added.
''And in an age of myths, legends are forged in war.''
Revelry and more shouts answered his statement. And the oracle watched this, separated now that his duty was over, and the kings, queens and nobles didn't needed her. No one noticed her now when a single tear followed the words of Quironte, she would never reveal it to anyone she thought, her burden and isolation. Who would care after all.