A few days later, Ebonheim and the others returned home from their expedition. She took Xellos to her cabin and let him rest.
While gods regenerated slowly—compared to other beings she encountered so far—the wounds on Xellos' body seemed to take a particularly long time to heal. His aura remained faint, though not as weak as before. He could move around on his own without too much difficulty, but most of the time, he remained lying in bed.
His strength didn't seem quite up to par compared to hers. Then again, he was an unbound god while she possessed her own domain.
"Couldn't you just demanifest and materialize in a new body?" Ebonheim asked while watching over him.
Xellos shook his head. "A god without a domain does not have such luxury. If my current body is destroyed...I'd cease to exist." He gave her a rueful smile. "At least I survived this long. That's why I've been searching for a place where I'm accepted. The settlements I passed by have either turned me away...or were outright hostile."
Ebonheim patted his hand. "Well...you might find what you're looking for in the next settlement along your journey," she said reassuringly. "So cheer up! I'm sure there must be a place out there willing to give you a chance."
Xellos gave her a brief smile before nodding once. "I hope so. Otherwise...I might end up like the other gods the demons captured. And that would be bad for everyone involved." He leaned back against his pillow and stared blankly at the ceiling. "Thanks again for letting me stay here. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
"Not a problem. You don't have to keep thanking me." Ebonheim grinned, but he didn't reply. Maybe he wasn't listening. "Oh. While you're here, I can help you out with appealing to people and whatnot. How to negotiate with them and stuff."
Xellos turned to glance at her. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Sure. Why not? Besides...I know what it's like to get rejected by the people you want to protect." She gave him a small smile. "I got captured and put in a cage when I first appeared here. They mistook me for some feral child or woodland spirit."
Xellos stared at her incredulously. "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope. And now I'm the goddess of a tiny town in the middle of nowhere," Ebonheim said wryly. "But I'm still trying my best to help them out and make their lives better." She patted him on the shoulder. "So chin up! You never know when things might turn around for you."
This did nothing to alleviate the worry etched across his features. But he nodded nevertheless.
Ebonheim patted his hand. "You'll be fine," she said reassuringly. "And I'll do everything I can to help you get back on your feet." She stood up and walked over to the door. "Anyways, I need to check on the others and let them know what's happened. I'll come back later to check on you."
----------------------------------------
Kelzryn’s approach was heralded by a subtle shift in the air, a ripple of energy that Ebonheim had come to recognize. The dragon, in his human form, cut an imposing figure with his alabaster skin marred by glowing fissures, his long black hair flowing like liquid night. His two cobalt horns protruded from his head, glistening faintly with runic light.
"Ebonheim, may I have a word?" Kelzryn asked as he stopped in front of her cabin.
She'd expected him to pay her a visit sooner or later—though not this soon. He must've received word about her success at rescuing Xellos. No doubt he wished to discuss the matter further. She couldn't blame him for being concerned about another deity residing within her domain. Especially one whose trustworthiness had yet to be proven.
"Sure," Ebonheim said brightly. "We can talk on the way to the town hall. The elders are expecting me to report to them about what happened." She started walking away from her cabin. Kelzryn followed closely behind her.
"By the way," she continued casually. "I told you I didn't need your help dealing with those demons. It went surprisingly better than my battles with the Kungwans. They were tough, but nothing I couldn't handle. Maybe everyone just overreacted to the threat."
Kelzryn glanced sideways at her. "Don't underestimate demons, Ebonheim. They're a formidable foe and shouldn't be taken lightly." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I'm curious, though...what types of Asura did you face?"
"Bhutava and Shadaksha mostly," Ebonheim answered. "There were several Bovikara too, and a Tahariusaka demon from the dungeon."
Kelzryn tapped his chin in thought, his eyes narrowed. "Odd. What about the Vajrakha? Amritaki? The Mayakara? Did you encounter them?"
She blinked in response.
Were there supposed to be other types there? Thinking back on her battle...she didn't encounter any Asura types beyond what she just mentioned to him.
"No, none of those," she said slowly. "Why do you ask?"
"That's strange," Kelzryn muttered. "I sensed their presence when I scouted the area prior. But perhaps they retreated elsewhere."
"Are those demons more powerful than the Tahariusaka?"
"Considerably so. Though individually, they're not enough to overpower you. Not without banding together. Still...it's concerning enough that you didn't encounter them there. You might've gotten lucky..." Kelzryn trailed off.
Ebonheim remained silent as she listened to his musings. It seemed there was more going on than she first assumed.
Kelzryn shook his head. "Regardless...you did well. You managed to defeat those demons without suffering any casualties. But that's not what I wanted to talk about."
"It's about Xellos, isn't it?"
"You’ve brought a vagrant god into your domain. I'm inclined to believe he means no harm—so far at least. But...I must express my concern. It's far too dangerous for you to allow an unknown entity into your home." Those bright scarlet orbs scrutinized her with undisguised worry.
"Look, I get where you're coming from," Ebonheim said gently. "But Xellos needs help right now. He's weak and vulnerable—he can barely move his body without assistance. Besides...he didn't ask for this. He was captured and tortured by the demons. So if anything, we should try to make sure he recovers from his ordeal before deciding whether or not he can be trusted."
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
She placed her hands on her hips. "So until then, I'll keep an eye on him. And if he does anything suspicious...I'll kick him out. Is that good enough for you?"
Her tone was light, but the resolve in her words was clear. She had no intention of abandoning him in his current situation. That wouldn't have sat right with her conscience.
Kelzryn frowned slightly as he met her gaze. He sighed heavily after a few moments. "Very well," he said grudgingly. "I will defer to your judgment in this matter. But just so that you are aware, history has shown that gods are not invited into other domains lightly. Should you choose to offer sanctuary to another god, you must always exercise caution. Even if they seem harmless."
Ebonheim nodded once. "Noted." She started walking again. "I'm just trying to pay it forward. A couple of years ago, a goddess called Ariastra invited me to her city, Byllais. She gave me a tour around the city and offered advice on how to manage my domain. So now...it's my turn to do the same for Xellos. Well, not exactly the same, but close enough."
Kelzryn held his tongue and didn't reply. His expression remained neutral as he continued following her.
They soon arrived at the town hall where the elders and guildmasters had convened. They'd gathered there to discuss what happened during the expedition and rescuing Xellos. She stood before them and gave a brief report of the battle. Everyone listened attentively as she spoke.
When she finished speaking, Engin stood up from his seat and cleared his throat.
"I'm glad you've all returned safely, especially after facing such a daunting task," he said. "However, we must discuss what happens next. This...vagrant god, Xellos. If he remains within our town...it will cause unrest among the populace."
He glanced around the room, letting his eyes linger on those sitting before him. "As you all know, the people here have fled their homelands because they could not trust their gods anymore. To invite another deity into our midst...will only serve to remind them of their past misfortunes." He paused before continuing. "Or worse, this newcomer might decide to usurp our goddess' position."
Did Engin think Xellos could take over her domain or something? No way. He wasn't even strong enough to move his own body right now. How could he possibly steal her followers?
She didn't voice her thoughts. Instead, she remained silent and waited for Engin to continue.
"Therefore, I suggest we keep this...Xellos confined within your cabin until he recovers," Engin suggested. "Once he regains his strength, he can depart from our town and continue on his journey elsewhere." He glanced at the others gathered around the table. "Is this agreeable to everyone?"
There were murmurs of assent throughout the room. Everyone seemed to support Engin's proposal. Ebonheim noticed some looked rather relieved. Others looked apprehensive. But none raised any objections. She guessed most probably hoped Xellos left sooner than later.
"I'm fine with that," Ebonheim answered. "I'll keep an eye on him in the meantime. He'll be my responsibility, so be at ease." Her gaze trailed across the room to Kelzryn's impassive face. "Do you have any thoughts about this?"
She already knew his answer, but it was better for the others to hear it as well.
"As long as this vagrant god does not cause trouble within your domain, I have no qualms about his presence here. However...if he does attempt to interfere with your authority, or your relationship with your people...then I will do what must be done," Kelzryn answered without batting an eyelid.
Ebonheim sighed inwardly at his response. As expected, the others seemed somewhat mollified. It's not like Xellos was in a state where he could do anything anyways...but still. He needed to recover soon or else things would get awkward.
"Alright then," she said finally. "Looks like my hands are tied here. I'll talk to him about the matter. In the meantime...if you'll excuse me...I have things to do."
----------------------------------------
Her Arboreal Stride took her back near Elmsworth's grove. The ancient Ent stood tall amid the trees, his gnarly roots sinking deep within the soil. Elmsworth inclined his massive head to acknowledge her presence before returning his gaze to the forest around them.
"To have come back here shortly after bringing me news of the demons' demise...you must wish to speak of a serious matter, Ebonheim," Elmsworth said, his rough voice rumbling through the air between them.
Ebonheim nodded. "Kelzryn told me that there might be other demons hiding out here—beyond what I fought in the ruins. Thought I'd let you know since...well, this is your forest and all. I'll be heading out to the others' territories to give them the news too."
"Noted," Elmsworth replied. "I shall remain alert for any signs of demonic activity. You have my thanks."
Ebonheim left him to his vigil as she stepped into her Arboreal Stride again; headed north-east to Liselotte's territory. It took some time for her to reach her destination.
After yelling out her name, Liselotte swooped down from one of the floating islands above, landing neatly before the Ebonheim with her wings spread out. The light caught her feathers, sending ripples of iridescent color cascading across its white expanse.
"Eh? What? What do you want?" Liselotte inquired while folding back her wings.
Ebonheim explained the situation to Liselotte, which only caused the Harpy Queen to cackle. "I'm not scared of demons. Let them try and mess with us here! I'll teach them a lesson!" She puffed out her chest proudly before launching back into the sky, screeching and diving around in an excited fashion.
Right...she had best leave her be then. Ebonheim traversed the vale to meet with Calixia and Nillen, informing them of her news too. Much like with Liselotte, the other two remained unconcerned about any lingering threats.
When Ebonheim returned home later in the day, she found Xellos still resting inside her cabin. His pitch-black eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light.
"Are you hungry?" Ebonheim asked gently. "I can make something for you."
"Hungry?...No. Gods don't require physical sustenance. You should know that," Xellos answered, his voice low and hollow.
Oh—right. She forgot about that. But even though gods didn't need to eat...that didn't mean they couldn't enjoy a good meal.
Wait, hold on...then what about her? She had always felt hunger pangs since manifesting into this world. But she thought it was normal. Why did she feel such cravings when she shouldn't have any need for food? What about thirst? Sleep? She never saw Xellos sleep during their travel back.
Maybe she was different from other gods in that regard?
No point dwelling on that now. In all honesty, she wasn't entirely sure how to take care of a weakened god. She supposed he just needed time to recover. And perhaps a bit of company. She could do that much at least.
She sat down on the chair next to his bedside and watched him carefully.
He didn't move or speak. He merely stared straight ahead with an empty gaze. She couldn't tell if he was deep in thought or not. Maybe he wasn't even paying attention to her presence. He seemed lost in his own world.
"How long do you think it will take for you to heal?" she asked after a few moments of silence. "A week? A month? Or more?"
Xellos shook his head. "I don't know what kind of magic they used on me," he said quietly. "And I can't regenerate either...at least not yet." He paused before continuing. "I sought the Akashic System for insight, but its knowledge and wisdom have been of no help. I'm afraid I don't have an answer to your question."
Ebonheim leaned forward in her chair and placed a hand on his arm. "Well...don't worry about it too much. You're safe here. Just rest for now. I'll take care of everything." She gave him a small smile before standing up and heading towards the door.
Before she could leave, Xellos called out to her.
"Thank you," he said softly. "I appreciate your kindness. It means a lot to me."
It seemed like thanking her had become some sort of a reflex for him now—as if he expected everyone to treat him coldly. She wasn't quite sure what to say in response. Instead, she nodded once and left his room.
She hoped he'd recover soon enough. This was the first time she'd seen her people being so apprehensive towards a visitor. Even though he didn't mean them any harm, she understood their feelings. They were just trying to protect themselves. And they had every right to do so.
But Xellos deserved better than this. Perhaps she might have another chat with Engin. Maybe she could convince him to give Xellos a chance...and possibly let him stay for a while longer.
She needed time to ponder upon this dilemma. A solution would come to her eventually...or so she hoped.