Hargal, the court mage, walked through the grand castle courtyard. The sun had yet to rise, but the castle staff already busied themselves with their duties. Farriers tended the horses and maids hung out laundry. The castle guards exercised and drilled in the Bailey.

Dressed in the blue robes of his station, Hargal walked through the gatehouse where guards saluted him with a fist to their chests. He inclined his head to let them know he saw, and continued on his way.

Outside the walls, Hargal turned and walked to the large stone building that stood next to the castle, nearly rivaling it in size. The large facade of the stone building contained decorative mosaics and friezes showing the story of the world's creation by the all-mother. Circular, stained glass windows depicted all seven divines of the pantheon.

Hargal entered the front doors and a woman dressed in the traditional white garb of the priestesshood bowed to him as he crossed the threshold.

Hargal was known for his devout nature, and visiting the temple each morning was his custom.

The king – whom Hargal served – was also a worshipper. If he were not, the gods would not allow him to rule as he did. Yet Hargal's zealotry rivaled even the ruler of the Canneldorth kingdom. Indeed, that was how he could perform miracles.

Hargal walked through the grand hall and all the way to the apse where great marble statues of all the gods stood. Three stood on the left, and three on the right. All six of those statues looked toward the center where the statue of the all-mother stood, elevated on a platform.

Hargal went to his knees before the statue of the all-mother and prayed that he might be able to serve her better.

As he did, the statue began to glow with golden light.

Hargal did not see this phenomenon happening, occupied as he was with offering his prayers and praises. His eyes were closed and his hands outstretched to the statue as if he were a child reaching for his mother.

"Hello, Hargal."

A voice sweeter than honey and warmer than the rays of the sun at dawn spoke to him. Hargal drew in a sharp breath and answered, still not opening his eyes.

"All-mother?"

"Yes, Hargal." The voice answered, "Open your eyes and see for yourself."

"I dare not let my unworthy eyes gaze upon your visage, my lady!"

"Nonsense." she said sharply, "If you were not worthy, I would not appear before you."

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Ever so slowly, Hargal opened his eyes and beheld the glory of his goddess. He gasped and shuddered upon having her radiant form revealed to him.

She shone like the sun before him, bathing him in her brilliance. Unlike looking at the sun however, gazing upon her did not hurt his eyes. Her beauty was unlike anything he had ever witnessed, and he nearly broke down in tears upon beholding it.

The all-mother reached down and grasped his hand, then pulled him to his feet.

"That wasn't so hard," she adjusted and smoothed out his robes, "Now was it?"

"My lady, why have you appeared?"

"That's a good question, my child." She smiled at Hargal a smile that made him want to melt, "I have a quest for you."

"A quest?" Hargal said, "Certainly! I will do whatever you request of me!"

"You have seen the tower that appeared on the plains of Tolar?" She looked to the east, "The place you call the dungeon?"

"Yes, my lady!" Hargal nodded, "The craftsmanship of the gods is a sight to behold!"

"It is," she smiled at him, "but the dungeon was not built by me or my children."

The all-mother crossed her arms and pursed her lips, "It is the creation of interlopers. Beings from another world who wish to have this sphere for themselves."

"Truly?"

"Yes." She nodded, "It is a wicked construction that must be destroyed at any cost, as well as the powerful beings who dwell there."

Hargal could not have imagined that the dungeon was actually the tool of invading forces. Ever since he first heard of the dungeon, he believed it to be the work of the divines. Of course, it explained why none of the people sent in had yet to return.

What foul beings could be inside the dungeon, and what evil were they planning?

"So," the all-mother brought Hargal out of his thoughts, "I charge you with the task of destroying the dungeon. Tell the king of this atrocity and convince him to form an army with which to destroy it."

"Of course, my lady!"

The all-mother continued, "I have already sent one of the holy knights inside to learn its secrets. Once he has given us enough information to act on, you will lead the army to bring it down."

"You wish for me to lead the army?"

"Yes Hargal," she put a hand on his shoulder, "You are my champion and you have my blessing. When the day of the final battle comes, I and all my children will be beside you. We will all join in the battle and take down the interlopers."

Hargal could barely believe what he was hearing. Not even the heroes of old had all the divines backing them, much less riding into battle beside them! What the all-mother proposed was something that had never been done before. All the divines and a great army fighting for the future of their world.

And Hargal would be at the center of it all.

"Now," the all-mother said, "We have much work to do and many preparations to make. Listen carefully."

Hargal gave all his attention to the goddess and listened as she laid out the grand plan to bring down the evil fortress. Her plan was well-thought and – if properly executed – would be sure to lead them to victory.

Or so they thought.