"Alright. That's fine. So, what do you want to do in the meantime?"

Golem says "I am fine with whatever your purpose was for the golem."

"The plan was for the golem to act as the healer for a group of elves while they explore the shadow plane."

Golem says "I am fine with that. Although, I do have a question. Just how is it that a golem has access to divine power?!"

"Oh, I made it and enchanted it using divine runes."

Golem says "Are you a god?!"

"No. I receive my power from the goddesses I serve, Seronia and Krenocia. I am their Sacred Crusader."

Golem says "I have never heard of them, but they must be powerful if they can grant you this much power and knowledge. This golem contains more divine power than I ever had access to, but I noticed that it isn't recovering."

"That is because I couldn't figure out a way to make the golem pray for it to be refilled. I planned to just refill it myself when needed."

Golem says "Do you think they would allow me to pray to them?"

"Of course. As long as you are sincere, they are very accepting goddesses. They even accept beastmen and other races as worshipers."

Golem says "They don't sound anything like the gods and goddesses that I know of. Can you tell me more about them?"

Since she seems interested, I spend a few minutes telling her what I know about the goddesses. Of course, she has questions and I answer those that I can, but I can't answer all of them. However, until she remembers her name I don't have a way to invite her into a soulscape.

"Once you can remember your name I will be able to introduce you to them if you want. I will probably end up asking Krenocia for help in how to handle your former comrades."

Golem says "I would like that, but we should probably wait until we know if I am sticking around or not."

"Fair enough. For now is there anything you want to do?"

Golem says "Not really. I will just stay here and try to remember things until you need me."

"Alright. You can let Jarvis know if you need anything."

I leave my workshop and ask Jarvis to keep an eye on the golem, just in case. Then I head to the library where Lin has all four kids sitting at a table reading. They are unhappy and show it by constantly sighing and moaning, but I show no sympathy.

I tell Lin what I learned from the ghost and ask her about any books that might have information. Unfortunately, ghosts seem to be something stories are told about, but not something researched. It makes sense, ghosts aren't really something that mages normally deal with.

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The only exception would be necromancers, but I haven't gotten ahold of one of their libraries. The other likely source of information would be clerics, but I can just ask the goddesses directly. Since that is my only real option I have Jarvis turn off the time dilation and open a soulscape.

I invite Krenocia and then wait a few minutes for her to show up. Once she does I explain the situation with the ghost and ask her for some advice. In answer to my request, Krenocia teaches me a new divine spell.

*DING*

New Spell Acquired!

Redemption

DP Cost: 100

Range: Wis x 2

Offers targeted undead the choice to move on. If refused has no

effect.

"Thank you, Krenocia. So, any ideas about why the ghost was drawn to my golem?"

Krenocia says "My best guess would be that it has something to do with Albion. When he bumped the golem his power might have interacted with the divine power contained in the golem."

"Hm, that could be it. To be honest, I really don't understand his power or how to help him grow stronger."

Krenocia says "I don't know either. That would be a question for my sister."

"Alright. Thank you for your help."

Krenocia says "No problem. It is nice to be invited when you aren't in trouble. Anything else I can help you with?"

"Not that I can think of, but you are welcome to stick around. That way you can see your sister."

Krenocia says "Thanks, but there is no need. Thanks to you we no longer have a problem seeing each other."

"Oh, that's good."

Before she leaves, Krenocia gives me a hug and a kiss which surprises me a little. This time it didn't feel like she was trying to tease me, it was just a show of affection. I am not going to overthink things, I just invite Seronia and wait patiently.

Seronia says "Hello, Ash. What can I do for you?"

"It's about Albion. I don't understand his power or how to help him grow. Krenocia suggested that I ask you."

Seronia says "Ah. Alright, I will tell you what I can. His power is that of purification and he will grow stronger from purifying corruption. He can also purify poison, but that is less effective in helping him grow."

"So, I need to seek out things like demonic corruption?"

Seronia says "That and other types. Corruption is also a natural process. Places like swamps and anywhere a lot of death occurs are sources of corruption as well."

"Alright. That helps a lot, thank you."

Seronia says "No problem. Is that all you needed?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

To keep her from getting mad about being called just for a simple question, I tell her about the ghosts. She listens and then she also gives me a hug and a kiss before she leaves. As soon as she is gone, I end the soulscape and have Jarvis turn the time dilation back on.

Then I immediately confess to Lin that both Krenocia and Seronia kissed me. Her only reaction is a laugh, but I get the feeling that she is glad that I told her. After that I head back to the workshop to tell the golem everything I learned from Krenocia.

"So, now the question is do you want me to cast it on you?"

Golem says "No. My memories are returning slowly and I don't want to leave until I remember my life. However, if you can put the others to rest I would greatly appreciate it."

"Alright. We shouldn't be too far from the shipwreck. I will swim back and cast it on them. What should I do if they refuse? Should I defeat them or leave them there?"

Golem says "I would prefer it if you didn't destroy them. However, if they attack you then do whatever you need to do."

I give her a nod and then go tell Lin what I am planning to do since I will be gone for a while. Thanks to the time dilation it might be as much as a day to her before I come back. I feel kind of bad leaving her to watch over the kids' punishment, but she doesn't complain.