Silence reigned. Only the crackle and pop of the communication screen filled the cramped basement space.
Finally, Callan stuck a finger in his ear, wriggled it back and forth, then pulled it out with a satisfying pop. “Sorry, Shamain, I think I had something crazy stuck in my ear. I was certain for a moment you just told us to fuck off.”
“What the avatar is—politely—trying to say,” Kivi added, shooting Callan a look, “Is that your tone of defiance is not appreciated in this particular circumstance. This is a nuanced issue that requires discussion between all three of us.”
“Oh, save your buttery words for the yeth, girl. Xeph-Zul-Karatl didn’t choose me so that I could play the part of some simpering sycophant—I warned him as much before they made me a priestess, you might recall. If something needs to be stated bluntly before you and the lad get more foolish notions into your skulls that put us all into danger, I intend to speak it.”
“Perhaps. But you could at least try to—”
Shamain pointedly turned back to Callan. “There’s nothing in your ears, crazy or otherwise. But I’m not letting you get me or anyone else I care about killed.”
“We never said you needed to come yourself,” Callan noted dryly. “Honestly, I’d prefer if you didn’t.”
“Cute, lad. But now isn’t the time for cute. Still, tell me then—what did you have in mind? Should I send Argas? Would you have me as the sole priest available at the temple should something go wrong? What if those prisoners of ours escaped? Even you can’t expect me to hunt them down all by my lonesome.”
In all honestly, Callan had forgotten about Ligo and the other priests of Zavastu until that moment. He gave a quick cough to cover his embarrassment, but he could tell by Shamain’s expression that had been a failed effort. “Fine. What about sending a few new potential priests? I’ve got more than enough resources available now to fill out our ranks.”
“Hmm.” Shamain looked thoughtful. “I suppose I do know a grandchild or two that might be interested.”
Right. Shamain and all of her family connections in the village. Callan started to make a comment about that—exactly what, he wasn’t certain yet—but before he could, the lud woman gave a shake of her head.
“However, creating more priests will have to wait until you return. If sending me or Argas to the Aosan plateau was a stupid idea, sending several powerless villagers would be ten times more foolish.”
“So you keep saying, Shamain.” There was a frustrated note to Kivi’s voice, but she kept her expression genial. “You still haven’t explained why you are refusing direct orders from your avatar.”
“Ah, but the lad hasn’t actually ordered me to do so yet, now, has he?” Shamain cackled maniacally. “If Xeph-Zul-Karatl demands it, I’ll gather a bunch of sacrificial lambs and send them on their way. But I’m guessing he won’t want that.”
“And why not?” Callan asked.
“Hmm. Tell me, avatar, how long did this Veritas ask for before your first duel?”
“Five days. Why?”
“And how long did your journey to Aos take?”
Callan spent a moment remembering. It felt like forever ago they’d arrived. “About four days, but only because we got sidetracked. Could have easily done it in three, maybe less if we hadn’t stayed the night at...”
He trailed off. Inside his head, Xeph shifted about in agitation. I think I see what the lud is getting at.
“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock.” Quickly, Callan shook his head. “No, don’t even ask, I’m not going to bother to explain that one.”
“Avatar?” Kivi asked.
“High Priestess, as much as it pains me to say this.” Callan glanced at the smirking image hovering before him. “Shamain is right. We can’t call for reinforcements.”
“Why not?”
“Because that’s what Veritas wants us to do. It’s why they asked for so much time in the first place.”
Shamain nodded. “Probably hoping to either get the jump on whoever you sent, or on the whole gathering when they returned. Prisoners aplenty to bargain with then.”
Veritas must have their temple located somewhere near the pythian tree, Xeph noted. With easy access to watch any of the incoming routes. The only way to avoid being seen would be to travel the long way around and come up from one of the plateaus behind us.
“That’s a good point, Xeph.” Callan snapped his fingers. “Why don’t we just have some of our people loop around to a further plateau?”
“That might work,” Shamain said grudgingly.
“Perfect! Then send your grandsons or whatever to loop around and come up the back side. Whoop, phrasing.” Callan turned to Kivi. “Would that Etruscian lady who led you here know an alternate route?”
“Silfia? Perhaps. Shamain will have to speak with her and ascertain what knowledge she possesses of the more remote plateaus.”
Callan nodded. “Shamain, can you do that?”
“Wait just a moment there, lad. How do we know that this Veritas isn’t watching the further plateaus as well?”
That immediately dampened Callan’s enthusiasm. “We don’t.”
“In fact, I think it more likely they are watching the plateau past the falls than the one by which we arrived,” Kivi added.
“Why do you say that, High Priestess?”
“Because when I spoke with Belinda, she mentioned that is the path which leads most directly north. It is also how Falchion departed on his way to seek the wind god’s assistance.”
“So we can’t promise that Veritas won’t notice a group of approaching lud.” Callan sighed, then thought for a moment. “I think we can still do this. Shamain, send out a reinforcement party, but tell them to wait on the far plateau until we signal them. If we have Sworv or Paeral go out to meet them during the first duel, there’s little to no chance the enemy cultists will be able to stop them.”
“Huh. Sneak in right under their nose during the duel. Clever.” Shamain nodded. “Not saying all the pieces will come together, but I’ll do what I can. Contact me again tomorrow and I’ll have a more concrete answer for you.”
“Can do. And Shamain?” He waited until he was sure he had her attention. “It’s good to see you again. Temple wasn’t the same without you.”
“Yes, well, I’d like to say the same, but frankly it’s been a lot quieter here without your usual nonsense.”
The older lud hesitated for a moment, then added, “Just so we’re clear, I still don’t approve of this plan. It seems a dangerous risk to our people just to aid a bunch of yeth. Still, I can understand the desire to help your own, though I honestly didn’t know any yeth had it in them. So I’m placing my faith in you, lad, you understand? Don’t go proving that decision ill-advised.”
“Hey now, Shamain, when have I ever let you down before?” Callan pushed on before the lud could have a chance to offer some witty barb. “Besides, it’s not me you need to have faith in, it’s Xeph. I’m just the vessel.”
How humble of you, mortal. Though I suppose it is better than the alternative.
From her expression, Shamain appeared to agree with the god’s sentiment, even if she couldn’t hear it. “Consider my faith placed in both of you then. Go on, now. I’ll see to it that matters here keep running smoothly. You just don’t get yourself killed in the meantime.”
“I’ll try my best.” With that, the image cut off. Callan wasn’t certain if Xeph had ended the connection somehow, or if they’d simply hit the time limit for this particular consecration. Either way, it seemed they had what they needed. Help would shortly be on its way.
He followed Kivi back up the stairs and into the morning sunlight. Intertwining his fingers, he stretched his arms over his head. “So Kivi, what are you off to next?”
“Hmm.” The lud girl tapped her chin. “There is still more training with Rock Sling to accomplish. I should also speak with Belinda about possible routes for reaching the further plateaus. And just minding Sworv and Paeral still feels like a full-time commitment.”
“Right.” Callan winced. “At least we won’t have to worry about their bickering interrupting the duel if one of them is off playing at cloak and dagger stuff.”
I still haven’t parsed out the exact meaning of that phrase, Xeph grumbled. Also, are you ready to explain to me who or what this ‘Sherlock’ is?
“Nope. Just because Shamain isn’t listening anymore to throw shade at me for saying something weird doesn’t mean...” He trailed off as a thought occurred to him. “Oh, dangit! We didn’t ask Shamain about what’s been going on at the temple! I was so wrapped up in our own problems it didn’t even occur to me.”
“We can ask when we speak with her tomorrow,” Kivi reminded him. “Besides, I doubt anything of real note has occurred, or she likely would have mentioned it without our prompting.”
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“Good point. Besides, what’s the worst Shamain’s going to get up to in our absence besides driving everybody nuts with her old lady theatrics?” Callan chuckled and shook his head.
“Perhaps she’ll have some good news for us. Like developments about the missing children.”
“Let’s hope so.” Callan shoved his hands in his pockets and set off down the road, waving at Kivi as she set off in the opposite direction. When she passed from view entirely, he turned his attention back to the town. “Alright, Xeph, shall we get back to work on our fortifications?”
If you insist, human. Only, could you refrain from adding any more skulls and other embellishments? I worry what sort of long-term impression we might be giving these yeth.
“No promises, old buddy, no promises.”
----------------------------------------
Days passed. Shamain did indeed return bearing news of six lud that she had dispatched to await their signal on the day of the duel. While Xeph expressed grumbling doubts that his metaphysical lattice—whatever the heck that meant—could support adding so many new priests at once, at least it meant they would have options. Callan couldn’t help feeling optimistic.
The rest of their time was surprisingly busy. Kivi was often away when Callan checked in on the guest house, out trying to soothe relationships with the villagers or meeting with Belinda and Alyssa to discuss strategy. What little time he had with the lud was mostly spent training.
And when he wasn’t with Kivi and the others, he was building fortifications, or trying to investigate potential cultists—a task rendered nearly impossible after his outing as an avatar—and of course... more training.
Sigh.
Honestly, he wouldn’t have minded the focus after days spent being busy elsewhere, but making progress with Xeph just remained so slow.
After three days of practice, he could finally shift Mountainform along his arms without closing his eyes. But only his arms. If he tried creeping past his shoulder blades the manifestation just fell to literal pieces around him.
With Wurmchain, he remained completely stymied. Oh, he could slide the barb along the chain like a pro, but even Xeph admitted that was of limited real-world application.
What he really needed to figure out was shortening the chain. His battle with Rictee had driven that lesson home rather solidly. But try as he might, the mist continued to elude him, slipping through his fingers like... well, mist.
So, on the morning of his duel with Veritas, Xeph had finally, finally allowed him to move on to another of his orisons...
----------------------------------------
Breathe, mortal. Just—
“You don’t have to recite that every time, you know.” Callan kept his eyes closed, trying to spot any mist around him. Without his orison active, though, the field in which they stood was dark and empty.
Hmmph. We have not practiced since that first day in the forest. I cannot reasonably expect you to remember every nuanced step to reach the appropriate mindset for manipulating our amazing powers.
“You can totally expect me to remember some basic instructions like ‘breathe’ and ‘keep your back straight’. This is basically the mystical version of Pilates.”
...Are Pilates a well-respected art in your world?
Callan grinned. “Let me put it this way. Pilates is basically yoga for people that think actual yoga is cultural appropriation. Still better than Tai Chi, though don’t tell my mom I said that.”
Hmmph. How would I do that? I’ve never met the woman. Who I also imagine is still back on your planet, several galaxies away from here. The god grumbled a bit more, then added, Enough stalling! Finish your breathing exercises and activate your orison! Who knows how much longer we have until Veritas arrives?
“Okay, okay...”
Callan let out a sigh, then tried to fall into the resting stance that Xeph had taught him. After a moment, he said, “Alright, I’m ready.”
Good. Now, activate Rock Sling. And be ready.
Resisting the urge to make a quip, instead he did as the god directed and activated the orison.
Alert: 10% Apotheosis used.
Total Apotheosis is at 10%
Now, human! Now!
As the rock manifested itself over his shoulder, Callan clearly saw the swirling mist that comprised it. Reaching out with his mind, he seized hold.
Amazingly, it didn’t slip through his fingers. Instead, he felt the solidity of it, though on a more spiritual level than a physical one. The rock surged against his fingers, wanting to rocket away into the distance, but he held it steady. It was like holding on to the world’s heaviest sparrow.
Alright, that’s long enough.
“You sure? Because I... could probably... hold on a... bit...”
With a sudden rush, the rock slipped from Callan’s grasp and shot away. And with it went the sudden tension he hadn’t even felt building up inside him. His whole body sagged in relief, and he dropped onto his backside in the dirt.
Alert: 2% Apotheosis used.
Total Apotheosis is at 12%
“Whoa.” He opened his eyes and watched as the rock landed amid a pile of natural stones a short distance away. “I wasn’t expecting that to be so... exhausting.”
Yes, yes. You were exerting your will against my own, which is a draining prospect for any mortal.
“Okay, sure, that makes sense. But why isn’t it like that with my other orisons? Or my manifestation?”
Hmm. An interesting question, and one that I don’t have an answer to.
“Because it’s suppressed?” Callan couldn’t keep a smirk from crawling on his face.
Compressed! And I do not know. It may be I have simply never considered the philosophical implications of what makes one orison different from another. Though if I’m forced to speculate—
“Pretty sure nobody’s twisting your metaphorical arm here, Xeph.”
—Then I would hypothesize that it has to do with potential versus kinetic energy. Your Mountainform is static, inert, while the stone you just created is anything but.
“Huh.” Callan shrugged. “As good an explanation as any.”
I am thrilled that you are satisfied. Shall we try again? While you seem to have grasped the basic concept quickly enough, becoming comfortable with altering your Rock Sling now will make it easier to do so in the midst of combat.
Callan rose to his feet, dusting what dirt he could from his pants. He could say this for Veloomian silk: it certainly seemed to stay cleaner than good ol’ denim did. “I’m not opposed to a little practice, but do you really think this has many combat applications? Or application at all? What’s the point of delaying my attack?”
Admittedly it may require some unique planning on your part, but there are certain to be occasions when this technique will prove useful. Only time will tell.
Closing his eyes, Callan allowed his mind to relax again, and when he was ready, activated Rock Sling.
Alert: 10% Apotheosis used.
Total Apotheosis is at 21%
This time, when he seized ahold of the stone with his mind, he tried to pay attention to how it made the rest of him feel. There was a noticeable difference almost immediately, as he hadn’t fully recovered from the first attempt. Every time the stone strained against his will, he shivered all over, feeling the fatigue of it all the way down to his toes.
He wasn’t certain how long he managed to hold on this time, but not long enough for Xeph to say anything. One moment he held the stone, the next, it was gone and away, flying across the field.
Alert: 2% Apotheosis used.
Total Apotheosis is at 23%
“Try to be more careful, Callan. I almost didn’t manage to avoid that.”
The voice startled Callan so badly he actually leapt a step back. Opening his eyes, he found Alyssa standing before him, a wry smile on her face as she leaned slightly to one side.
“Oh, um, sorry?” he rubbed his neck. “I didn’t see you there.”
“No, I imagine that you wouldn’t, what with your eyes closed and everything.” Her smile curled up a bit at that, but a moment later it faded. “My mother sent me to fetch you. Veritas has been spotted making their way towards the village.”
“Oh! Well in that case lead the way.”
As they walked away from the field, Callan glanced back at the rocks. He frowned at them. Inside his head, Xeph shifted about.
What is it, mortal? I can feel your confusion. Don’t tell me you’re getting nervous about the duel now that the moment is at hand.
Callan shook his head. “It isn’t that. Why couldn’t I see her back there when she approached?”
You mean the yeth woman? Callan’s gaze shifted to Alyssa, and Xeph continued, There is a very simple explanation for that. You see, the graticules of her soul do not contain sufficient transcendent conduits to—
“Simple, riiiiiiiiiiiiiight. You know what, this feels like exactly the sort of conversation to not have minutes before a big fight.”
Hmmph. Need I remind you, human, that you were the one who asked.
“And now I’m wishing I hadn’t.” Callan glanced up and saw Alyssa watching him with a wisp of a smile on her face. “Sorry, we were doing the thing again.”
“It’s alright, Callan. I imagine you and Xeph-Zul-Karatl have much to discuss.”
Callan didn’t bother to correct her assumption. They resumed walking, Xeph muttering unintelligible words in the back of Callan’s head while he chewed on a piece of bread, trying to speed up his Apotheosis recovery before it was needed again. The town of Aos drew steadily closer in the distance.
“Avatar?” Alyssa turned to look at him suddenly. He thought she might be about to make another joke at his expense, but seeing the somber expression on her face immediately dismissed the notion. “Can I ask—have you seen Rym lately?”
“Rym?” The question caught Callan off-guard. He thought for a moment. “Not since I stopped working in Radavan’s fields.”
Alyssa pursed her lips and nodded. She glanced away, looking thoughtful. “I am worried about him. He has not been spotted for over five days now. Normally I would assume he is just avoiding our mother’s attention, but given his declining state...”
Right. The yeth man hadn’t exactly seemed all-together the last time Callan and Xeph encountered him, when he’d led them to the bridge brigade meeting. “Do you think... the flux, maybe?”
“I fear so.” Alyssa let out a sigh. “I have known the end was coming for some time, yet the idea of him simply passing away quietly out there in the woods, alone, fills me with a great feeling of regret. I knew my mother would never forgive him, not before the end, and yet I’d hoped...”
She trailed off. Callan was at a loss for what to say. Eventually, he tried something comforting. “It could be nothing, you know. It’s not like he can exactly waltz into town whenever your mom calls one of her meetings.”
“Except he often does,” Alyssa countered. “He’s mentioned the debates between Veritas and my mother before, so he must be watching them from somewhere nearby.”
Again, Callan didn’t bother to correct Alyssa. While he didn’t know for certain that Rym wasn’t watching somewhere, he’d been to several of these meetings now, and he’d never seen the lud anywhere, near or far.
“I’m sorry for bringing this up.” Alyssa gave him an apologetic grin. “You have enough on your mind at the moment before your duel.”
“No worries. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.” They had reached the first buildings in town now, and here they stopped. Alyssa turned to him.
“I must go find Radavan as well. Good luck in your duel with Veritas, Callan.”
The yeth woman turned and made her way back towards the fields. Callan watched her go for a moment before turning for the town center.
It is a tragedy about that yeth, Xeph noted, as the square approached. I am reminded of my own former avatar whenever we see him. Flux is not a fate I would wish upon any of the races, advanced or otherwise.
“Yeah, Rym’s situation sucks. Especially with him being out of town most of the time where nobody can keep an eye on him. Maybe when this first duel is over, we can go check—”
Callan stopped. A horrible idea had just begun building in the back of his mind. The crowd gathering in the square milled about ahead of him, but no one was paying him any mind. Needing a moment to think, he dove into the space between two buildings.
Mortal? What is it?
“Xeph... I just had a terrible thought.” Everything that Alyssa had said started running through Callan’s head again. A cold sensation settled into him as the idea solidified. "I think... I think I know who Veritas’s avatar might be.”