“Grik, open up!” Belinda pounded on the door again. Behind her and several steps down, Callan glanced nervously around.

“You sure you want to be making that kind of ruckus right now, Mayor?” At least three pairs of eyes were watching from nearby houses. Another pair of yeth watched openly from alongside a line of washing a short ways down the street.

He turned back in time to see the door open a crack, and a mousy yeth with a goatee glance out at them.

“...Yes, Mayor?”

“Grik, I need you to pledge yourself to the avatar.” Belinda gestured behind her.

“Oh... you mean right now?”

“Yes, now.” The yeth woman said, and Callan could practically hear her teeth grinding together.

“But didn’t you say it would be our choice? And only after all this business with Veritas was resolved?”

The mayor had said that. Apparently, she didn’t like being reminded of the fact. “Listen here, Grik. You owe me for clearing up that mess you made with the miller’s daughter a few years back. Well, I’m calling in the debt. Now, are you going to open that door, or do I need to have the avatar here kick it down?”

“I don’t think we need to go quite that far—” Callan began, but Belinda waved him to silence and continued to squabble at the young yeth cowering behind the door. Inside his head, Xeph let out a sigh.

While I am pleased that the mayor has taken the matter of our current disadvantage seriously, I also worry for what sort of long-term damage her exuberance might do to our relationship here.

Callan silently agreed. After all, winning the village’s favor was just as important as the duel, especially since Rictee died. But it appeared as if the day’s events had set Belinda on the warpath.

“You open that door all the way right now, Grik, or so help me...”

“You’ll what, Mayor?” The man stood up a little straighter, though he didn’t open the door any further. “You’ll have me killed, too? I think I’d prefer that to being made a slave.”

“No one is getting killed!” the mayor thundered, while Callan contemplated simply sneaking off while she wasn’t looking. Apparently the effects of Rictee’s murder were still echoing through the little community. He could already tell what direction this argument was bound.

Sure enough, before he could so much as tiptoe backward, the yeth simply slammed the door in the mayor’s face. A moment later, there was the sound of a lock setting, and something being dragged in front of the door for good measure.

“Grik! Grik! You open up this instant!!!” The mayor pounded on the door. She spun as Callan’s hand landed on her shoulder. He tried to give her a reassuring smile.

“I think you might be better off spending your efforts elsewhere, mayor.” He jerked his head in the direction of the watchers. Immediately, Belinda’s face sobered. She drew herself up.

“You’re right, of course, Avatar. I’ll speak with several other of my contacts. I should have an acceptable new follower for you by the end of the day.”

Assuming she hasn’t scared away everyone else left in town, Xeph groused. Callan’s smile tightened.

“I look forward to any good news. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got plenty to discuss with my high priestess. You know where to find us.”

With that, he beat a hasty retreat. Behind him, he heard the mayor pounding on another door, but he didn’t stick around to hear what she had to say.

This situation is deteriorating rapidly, Xeph noted as they walked back toward the town square. I can’t help but feel like you may have sold Alyssa’s qualities to the villagers too well during your speech, mortal. Her betrayal is turning them all against us.

“Hey, screw you. I only gave that speech on your advice, remember?”

Ah, but if you hadn’t grown so close to the yeth woman in the first place, we might have been able to see her treachery before it had time to take root.

“That’s—” Callan caught himself before he could say anything further. Shaking his head, he changed topics, “We’re not accomplishing anything by arguing amongst ourselves, Xeph. We need to focus on the solution, not the problem.”

True. In that case, what do you propose?

“Let’s talk with Kivi and the others. Maybe they’ve had some insight.”

They found Kivi and the two lud brothers at the temple, the former just finishing a conversation with Shamain. As the contact ended, the lud girl turned to him, expression grave.

“I spoke with Shamain concerning potential neutral judges. Her thoughts on the matter were... less than helpful.” Kivi glowered back at the altar, as if her ire might somehow still make it back to older lud woman. “She once again advised we quit this plateau and make for home. Cut our losses and focus on less hostile communities.”

“She has to know we can’t do that,” Callan said. “We’re in too deep. If we packed up and left, word would almost certainly get out, and what would that do to Xeph’s reputation in the Badlands?”

Nothing good, but I have weathered worse, the god noted. Of greater harm is remaining trapped here for the foreseeable future. That might do greater harm to our growth than a damaged reputation. I agree with the old priestess.

“No, we’re not leaving,” Callan said to both Xeph and Kivi, the latter of whom had been about to open their mouth. “Listen, I know this looks bad, but we just need to drag back somebody from a nearby plateau, have them pick a contest, and complete it. Win or lose, we’ll be out of here afterwards.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I doubt it will be that simple, Avatar. The longer we remain, the more obligations bind us here ever further. Still, if that is your wish.”

And what about my wish? Xeph grumbled. Callan patted the side of his head.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be back to growing your faith before you know it.”

Hmm. We shall see.

“Did Shamain have any other advice?” he asked.

“Actually, yes. When I mentioned the village to the south, Shamain was unenthusiastic about our prospects. Apparently Tok had some dealings with them in the past and found them to be highly anti-lud—which goes a long way towards explaining why Silfia didn’t guide me to them on our first visit.”

Callan frowned. “So, more bad news then.”

“Not entirely. She did go on to—grudgingly—mention a hermit that also lives on that plateau. Assuming we can find their abode, we might be able to entice them to settle this dispute. Though Shamain warned that they are... challenging to work with.”

“Oh, great, another Dosoti. Just what this place needs.”

“I imagine that those who choose the hermit life do not typically do so because they enjoy the company of others,” Kivi said with a wry grin. “Regardless, they have proven fair in their dealings with my village in the past and are the best lead we currently possess.”

“Well, what are we waiting for, let’s get a move on!” Callan was halfway to the door before he noticed no one else had moved. He frowned back at them. “What now?”

“Avatar... if all of us suddenly depart the plateau, what sort of reaction do you expect this might cause amongst the villagers? Even if we tell them our intentions and promise to return, there are certain to be a vocal minority that don’t believe us.”

That made an uncomfortable amount of sense the more Callan thought about it. “Probably more than a minority at this point. Did you see all the nasty looks we’ve been getting? We’re not much in favor right now.”

“Indeed. So at the least, I would caution against either you or I departing. With our constant presence here, it will not only reassure the villagers of our commitment, but also allow us to keep Veritas from making any further moves against us.”

“Not sure how you expect to do that when one of their followers could literally be anyone,” Callan grumbled.

All the more reason to leave a heavy presence here while our interests remain. Besides, we should not risk opening ourselves to an ambush. Leaving the safety of the village risks Veritas striking against us directly.

“Wouldn’t we have the same problem if we tried fleeing? Not as if Veritas and their followers can tell the difference.” He shook his head. “I actually think that one is a non-problem, at least for me. Veritas made it clear that these Accords say fighting directly is a no-no.”

He turned to Kivi. “There it is, then. I should be the one to find this hermit. Veritas will let me pass unmolested. Anyone else might be a target.”

“But, Avatar, what of the villagers? Do not forget about them.”

Damn. For a moment Callan had let that particular issue slip his mind. He shook his head. “I still think—”

“Please, allow me to go in your stead, Avatar,” Paeral said, stepping forward. “It would be an honor to risk my life in the service of Xeph-Zul-Karatl’s goals.”

“Always the martyr, brother,” Sworv quipped, sidling up to the altar. “Yet never the martyred. What would that wife of yours say if you never returned to her? No, I should be the one to go.”

Paeral snorted. “You? And how do you intend to convince this hermit to lend their aid? With your winning personality?”

“Mine is better than yours. It’s served me well enough in the past.”

“In talking inexperienced girls into your bed, perhaps, but these are serious matters. Something you have little familiarity with.”

“You think I dealt with no serious matters as Daisa?” Sworv asked, expression darkening.

“I know for a fact you did not. Daisa do not think for themselves, or what is even the purpose of Leadership?”

“You know, I’ve often pondered that very same question myself.”

Now it was Paeral’s turn to grow angry, his face swelling with barely constrained rage. “Careful what you say, brother. Your new caste only protects you so much.”

“Guys, do you really need to do this right now?” Callan said, trying to place himself between the two lud. “I feel like we’ve got bigger issues at the moment.”

Paeral ignored him, twisting to one side to snarl at his brother. “I don’t know why I’m even surprised by your treachery. Elevating you to Leadership can’t erase a lifetime of taint.”

“And what of your own taint?” Sworv retorted. “You were little better than I, former Biiran. Don’t go getting all lofty as if you suddenly know the ways of Leadership.”

“Listen, can everyone—” Callan almost stumbled as Paeral pushed him aside with a pair of arms. His other pair jabbed fingers into his brother’s face.

“Is that what this is about? Do you think, perhaps, that completing this mission for the avatar will somehow prove you better than the rest of us? Greater, in the avatar’s eyes? All it is likely to accomplish is see you dead in a ditch.”

“In that case, why did you volunteer first, if you think the mission so unlikely to succeed?” Sworv asked, his arms crossed defiantly. “Do you have some unspoken death wish? Or perhaps you care not if you leave Revak in tears.”

“Oh, I’m sure you would be swift to comfort her,” Paeral snarled.

“I would.” Sworv smirked at the shocked expression on his brother’s face, then continued, “As custom dictates a brother should comfort his late sibling’s widow.”

“That tradition is for the higher castes—!”

“Which is what I am. Leadership.” Sworv’s smirk grew. “Same as you, brother.”

“You spit in the face of our traditions!”

“Traditions you were yourself not privy to until just recently.” he retorted. “What foolishness. You never cared about caste law until you stood to benefit from it. Now you grow angry at me for exercising the same right?”

“Not while I still breathe, you won’t,” Paeral hissed.

“Indeed. So let me be the one to go.” The other lud’s expression softened. “After all, there is no one waiting back at the temple for my return. Do not leave Revak heartbroken, brother. I would rather my own death than cause her such pain.”

Paeral’s mouth flapped open, but no words came out. Callan used the opportunity to try and break in again. “As of now, nobody is going anywhere, not until we have a way to send them safely. Is that understood?”

The two lud muttered their agreement, though neither would meet his eyes. Good enough.

He turned back to Kivi. “The mayor is having trouble finding a replacement for Alyssa’s faith. Until she does, my abilities are even more limited than normal. We need to be careful not instigate anything with the cult.”

“Understood, Avatar. Should I go and aid the mayor in her efforts?”

Callan considered that. “It probably couldn’t hurt, at least until she calms down a bit. I got the impression that being betrayed by her daughter isn’t really helping her maintain her usual cool, no matter how much she tries to play it off.”

“I understand. Then allow me to do what I can to rebuild trust with the villagers.” Kivi made for the stairs.

“Great. As for you two...” Callan glanced back at the brothers. He was worried they might start fighting again the moment he left. Based on their expressions, that’s certainly what was on their minds. He sighed. “Paeral, you come with me?”

“Avatar? Of course!” The older lud hastened to follow after him. He stumbled up the stairs and into the daylight. “Where are we bound?”

“I don’t know, a patrol or something.” Anything to give those two a little breathing room. As if Callan didn’t have enough to worry about at the moment.

Actually, mortal, there is something else that you should focus on.

Oh no. Callan swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “I’m sure I can find something to keep busy with, Xeph. More fortifications, maybe, or hunting down cult members—”

Those tasks can wait. Your training, however, cannot.

“That’s—fine.” Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. After all, Callan still hadn’t mastered using Rock Fling. It had been kind of fun, albeit exhausting, to practice holding the stone back. He could handle a bit more of that.

We shall focus more on Wurmchain today and keep at it until you have it perfect.

Dammit.