Kaden probably should have been terrified of the furious queen. He was in her territory, far below her level, and her anger made the air tremble since she obviously believed Kaden might have killed Eve intentionally more than once.
Before he could answer, Trella started laughing, jarred from her trance. “That’s what Eve was so worried about us finding out? Oh, I wish I’d known. Seriously, worst secret on earth. Hang on, Frosty, let me send her a message.”
“I’ve sent her messages,” Queen Bruna said.
Trella dispatched her crow. “The difference is, Eve likes to talk to us. So when we send her birds, she actually listens. See, I knew she was noble, and after what Kaden said about [Transfusionists], that kind of pinned it down.”
“What about [Transfusionists?]” The Queen seemed lost. “There’s no information on them.”
Kaden hadn’t forgotten what the Carwen, the Chain Beserker had said. “It’s a class only given to Royalty. It’s why Eve wasn’t affected when Princess Pear tried her mind games on me. Big deal. Eve’s a great cook, a decent healer and she can make an enemy bleed from their eyes for three thousand points of damage.”
A moment later, Eve’s messenger bird arrived. Kaden recognized it now as a miniature eye-bird. It perched on the table. “I’ll be there shortly. Sara and Ashi are busy negotiating with the [Mage’s Tower] but I’ll get Mom off your back.”
Queen Brunna shuddered at Eve’s voice. “Pear. Deidra Pear? What did she do to Eve? And more importantly, where is she?”
“Here and there,” Kaden said. “She was busy ranting about how she’d have her revenge on Eve.”
“And?” The Queen asked.
Trella answered for him. “She won’t.”
The next ten minutes were the most uncomfortable of Kaden’s life. The Queen revealed absolutely nothing from her expression, and she looked as though she’d just as happily have him murdered as wait.
A sharp knock at the door startled everyone. “You will open this now,” Eve stated.
The door swung open, and Kaden stared.
Eve had changed to her blood-red robes and carried her staff. Unlike her mother, her hair still hung loose, and Vip pranced beside her radiating pride. “Mother. I see you couldn’t resist the chance to interfere with my party.”
“A party you’re only a member of because I paid for you to be placed in it,” The Queen responded. “Is it required that you dress like some kind of butcher?”
“[Transfusionist]. A Class your goddess so kindly bestowed on me.” Eve spoke with the exact emotionless tone she’d used so often. “The trade has been agreed to, please hand over the Ambassador’s Seal. I have business in the Iron Gear Empire.”
“Evelyn—”
“Eve,” Trella said. “Call her by her name.”
“Evelyn.” Queen Brunna said as a challenge. “I named her. Evelyn, you…you look well. Almost happy.”
Vip sat dutifully at Eve’s side. *Love?*
“Give us the Seal.” Eve said. “I recovered many of the memories I lost to your efforts. Did you know I like raspberry pie? I didn’t know that until recently, but I remember sticky fingers and hot pies and summers sitting by the fountain eating. I remember.”
“Good. I regretted the side effects but never the choices. It’s absolutely possible to remove a Class with enough resurrections,” Queen Bruna said. “I’ve always wondered, if I’d had just a little longer, would it have worked?”
“The Seal.” Eve stepped forward, holding out her hand. “I’ve killed a Demon’s Daughter who had more zest for life than I did. Now, we can trade barbs or we can do business. You accepted the trade. Please don’t make this more difficult.”
The droning buzz of flies and the crash of waves held the conversation for a moment.
“You left many of your belongings. I’ll have them packaged for you, and your party can go to the temple to return Varun’s relics. Show me them and I’ll have the right priests ready.” The Queen did not cry but Eve had definitely won.
Kaden took out the Inheritance package. “These came from a Healer who attempted to run the FangWood dungeon with my parents. I need to give them to his or her descendants.”
The Queen hadn’t moved. She hadn’t even breathed. “His. If I had these, Evelyn never would have been lost. These are given to initiates when they present in the temple to ensure Varun’s favor.”
“Those belong to Eve?” Trella asked.
“No.” Queen Brunna had nothing else to add for long minutes. “General, Minister, your job here is done.” She drew something from Inventory and passed it to Eve. “This evening is Rachel’s presentation. You can’t attend in the presence of Varun, but Rachel asks about you. It would mean a lot to her to see you.”
“We’re not staying,” Eve said.
Kaden sensed her hesitation and looked to Trella, who spoke up. “We’re doing a stocking up run through the market. Won’t take that long, maybe an hour? The healing items here are exceptional.”
“Be quick.” Eve looked to the Queen. “Is Rachel dressed already?”
“Soon.”
Kaden and Trella quickly left, embracing the humidity and the heat to escape the awkward. Kaden continued to tame and release eye-birds. His goal? All of them. Of course he didn’t have enough binding slots but what he did have was loose silver and a knowledge of what treats they liked.
“They’re kind of creepy,” Trella said as she looked at healing necklaces.
“They are the holy birds of Varun!” The vendor said. “You do not interfere with them. You do not threaten them. They are Varun’s eyes, their calls heal. They watch her chosen and preside in her temple. To gather the attention of even one shows her favor. You are most blessed.”
Kaden threw a handful of blessing to the flock and moved on, broadcasting his approval along with gentle urges to them. They were birds. They liked to move in a flock, though the males all wanted to be the leader.
While Trella bought a set of one-shot cleanses, Kaden collected four more birds and charted a course through the market and off toward the temple.
“You know what I wonder about?” Kaden asked.
“Eve,” Trella said as he detoured to reward another eye-bird.
They were always on the same page. “Like how does she wear those heavy robes and not die of heatstroke? My armor is like an oven.”
“We enchant our armor with Ice Mana,” Trella said. “I bet her robes are the same.”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“The same what?” Eve’s voice startled Kaden. She clutched Vip to her.
“Enchantment. Your robes are super thick and this island is basically Asmodeus’s crotch.” Trella held up her cloak. “Got to be enchanted.”
“That’s what you were discussing.” Eve seemed doubtful. “That’s really what you wanted to ask? And what are you doing with the Ironi? They’re sacred creatures, not pigeons.”
Kaden handed her a scoop of feed from Inventory. “This is their favorite. I’m on a private Quest I issued myself. I’m going to tame them all. Every last one on the island. Most of them you see? Not tamed. The tamed ones are out spreading the word to their friends about the treats.”
“Sacred.” Eve sighed as she fed one from her hand. “I want to stay for the presentation. I have a half-sister, Rachel. She’ll present herself before Varun today. It’s a special day, the day she receives her Class. You’re welcome to leave.”
“Leaving me alone with Kaden? You know that will end in disaster. Or sex.”
“Personally, I’d like to avoid both,” Eve said. “We can head to the Iron Gear Empire tomorrow. Sara and Ashi are stocking up and preparing for an expedition. Sara’s reasoning is that if Circe saw fit to pack camping gear, it’s hedging bets.”
Kaden couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t go. I’m just saying I’m worried. Remember how we didn’t go hunting in Hell? It’s not that. But it’s like it.”
*You shouldn’t trust [Prophecy]. You don’t even have the full Talent,* Trella sent.
*I know.* Kaden was so deeply aware of how his hunches had gone haywire. He didn’t even know what the feeling was. With the demons, Kaden has smelled the stench, heard the clink of chains. With this, it was an oppressive blanket of smothering gray streaked with lightning.
He’d been steadfastly ignoring the talent options since leveling, because none of them matched what he wanted. Part of him wondered if Trella somehow knew what he’d been offered.
[Prophecy]
You receive and understand glimpses of the future. You do not control the subject or timing of these glimpses. Your understanding will grow as you receive visions and live through the events.
[Natural Leader]
You were born to give orders and have others take them. You will be more effective in a group who is following your commands and your followers will be mildly more effective as long as they are following you.
[Northstar]
You are never lost. You naturally sense your location and general directions. You resist Disorientation status effects at a much higher level and can even sense other’s locations relative to you.
[Ambidextrous]
Suffer no penalty for using a weapon with your off hand. Tools and writing implements are similarly usable.
Where was [Immovable?] Where was [Brass Knuckles?] Where was anything Kaden actually could use? [Twist of Fate] was as much punishment as ability. His main weapon was double handed, the Levicon Blade never cared which hand he used it with, and using his bow with either hand was rarely a bonus. Northstar would be ideal for a [Ranger] or even a [Druid]. Natural Leader was the closest and Kaden was absolutely certain he had no interest in leading a party.
“You’re missing an Eye-Bird—just kidding, I couldn’t get your attention any other way,” Trella said. “You do have a bunch you haven’t fed or tamed. I think.”
Kaden quickly grew his flock. “Sorry. Talent troubles.”
“Does’t matter what you choose, only that you choose. No talent ever broke a build. What did you get? [Double Jointed?] [Prehensile Toes?] It’s actually useful if you’re a [Thief].”
“I hope those aren’t real. Here, we need to meet Rachel this way.” Eve took the lead, heading to the Temple.
The temple of Varune was built in the shape of a dome with a high ceiling that sheltered priests and priestesses from the brutal sun. Crystal walls on either end pivoted to let a breeze flow through, and [Wind Mages] worked to keep it cool. Adventurers streamed through the doors, making a U shaped path to approach the statue of Varun, who looked a lot like Brunna.
So much so that Kaden couldn’t help wondering who had made the statue and if they’d taken inspiration from the woman who paid for it. The only difference was that Varun had wings made of eye-bird feathers. Also that the eyes looked like they were actual eyes.
Eve pointed behind the temple. “This way. I’d like for you to meet Rachel as well. Her father was a good man, I’m told. His daughter certainly is.”
They took the east path, into the shadow of the temple. Kaden told the flock to wait there rather than crowd everyone out. There, at the side stood a group of [Priests].
And a young girl, maybe eight, wearing light white robes. Her black hair couldn’t have been more different than Eve or the Queen’s, but Kaden recognized Eve’s eyes and chin.
And the smile. The girl smiled as she saw Eve and ran to hug Eve—then picked up Vip, who struggled slightly before deciding that this was just another person who loved her and Vip was fine with that. “Evie!”
Eve sat down against the temple and Rachel sat beside her as the two began to talk. For once, Eve wasn’t careful or proper and Eve’s smile—usually reserved for when [Plague] hit multiple enemies—was genuine.
*There’s something wrong with Eve’s face.*
Kaden couldn’t help laughing.
“Kaden, Trella, this is my sister, Rachel.” Eve stood up and dusted herself off.
Rachel was not interested in anyone besides Vip, but eventually gave them both a ‘hi’ before discovering that Vip did in fact understand everything Rachel said.
“Trella’s a [Shadow Blade. She can disappear…” Eve sighed as Rachel sprinted after Vip. “I’m sorry, none of us compare to that dog. The only [Beast Master] in a Century, an actual [Shadow Blade] and she’s chasing Vip.”
“Good,” Trella said.
One of the priests by the side cleared his throat and called over and over. “Rachel! It’s time! We’re closing the temple for presentations.”
“Not to worry,” Eve added when Kaden frowned. “The temple closes once a day for an hour. The other twenty three the Goddess waits to bless with healing. Resurrections are free for the first fifteen minutes after it reopens.”
As Rachel approached, Kaden drew the inheritance items from Inventory. “Your dad would have wanted you to have these.”
The staff was as tall as Rachel, the wand more like a cane. Kaden handed the [Minor Mend] scroll to Eve, who tucked it into the belt on Rachel’s robe. “Now, be calm and be present. Clear your mind and relax. The Goddess will reach out to speak to you, and with a heart like yours, you’ll be fine.”
Quest Completed: What’s Right isn’t always Easy, Part 4.
Rachel bit her lip. “Is that what happened to you?”
“No. I’m a Healer, but not like you and Mom.” Eve looked to Kaden. “Kaden has some of Varun’s special offering. So you can have an Eye-Bird go with you. Since it’s good luck for an Eye-Bird to attend.”
Trella nudged him, but Kaden had already caught on. He drew a handful of feed. “I have a feeling Varun is already watching you.”
“Go,” The older priest said. “Remember. You enter from the south. You approach the statue. The Celestial Crystal will ensure that no other’s heart influences the Goddess. But you have nothing to fear.”
Rachel headed toward the front of the temple—and the mass of eye-birds. As she approached the flock, Kaden sent a command to the ones he controlled.
Eve gasped as the flock of eye-birds bowed—and followed Rachel. Then she looked to him.
He nodded and gave her a smile. “If one is lucky, I figured the whole flock was more lucky.”
Another priestess motioned to the side door. “We have a viewing gallery. Like the Queen, you may not enter the temple or influence the presentation. But I want you to know, we don’t fear Varun’s twin or hate her. She is a counter balance that allows Varun’s healing power to flow.”
Eve dipped her head. “Thank you, Slive. You were magnificent teacher. I’ve come to accept my Class. I wouldn’t say embrace it, but accept, yes. Slive, would you do me a favor?”
Kaden followed Eve in to find a narrow wooden bench pressed up against plates of crystal that ran to the ceiling. Trella looked from one end to the other and shuddered. “One exit. I need to sit on the outside.”
That was her [Shadow Blade] training at work.
Kaden sat next to Eve, who leaned across. “Slive, Kaden is struggling with a choice of talents. He’s got prophet’s blood but didn’t get offered the talent until thirty.”
“How did you know?” Kaden asked, shocked.
“You told us about Vichor,” Eve said. “You told us your mother had the talent. It’s always offered, and you’ve rightfully come to distrust the flashes you get. Ever since you leveled you’ve been distracted. Every other time you’ve ranted for days about the choices.”
“I’m sorry.” Trella stood and bolted for the exit. “I can’t breath in here. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Kaden rushed after her, with the Priestess close behind. “Hey, it’s ok.”
Trella shook her head as she sweated. “One of the trials I did in ShadowVale was being trapped in a room that filled with water. One just like that. I can feel the water in my lungs.”
“Varun’s Blessings, child.” Siven pressed a hand to Trella’s head and her breathing slowed, coming in deeper gasps. “The ceremony is short and the weather is lovely. Let’s stay out here. Young man, why are you afraid of [Prophecy?]”
“Have you met a [Prophet]?” Trella asked. “Nut jobs. Every last one of them.”
Kaden pulled the [Wisdom Cricket] from Inventory. It took a deep breath. “NASA faked the moon landing. There was a second shooter on the grassy gnoll. The bumps on leeches are second eyes so the Ilumnati can watch anyone who eats a leach from the inside. They’re watching you all!”
“That’s enough.” He shoved it back into Inventory. “Prophecy.”
Slive chuckled. “Madness. They’re often confused. You already get flashes, don’t you? Why wouldn’t you want them better? They’ll help you prepare. And the mistakes you make interpreting will help you learn not to make them again.”
The Wisdom Cricket was one end of the scale. At the other were Kaden’s near useless flashes. “How does it work?”
“The first one is always right. After that you’ll need to learn to interpret,” Sliven said.
Kaden selected [Prophecy].
The world disappeared as a memory hit him. A memory that hadn’t happened yet. He looked up, eyes wide and turned toward the temple. “There’s still time to stop this.”