As we climbed the stairs to the temple, I noticed that they were incredibly smooth and cool to the touch. It seemed like the whole building was made out of them.

[Marble Stairs]

“Huh. That marble stuff is really nice to walk on…”

As we reached the top of the stairs, we found a bunch of people waiting for us, and at the head of them a man with a funny outfit. All of them bowed towards us, and then the man ahead of them raised his head to greet us.

“My greetings to you, guests of the gods. My name is Khemri. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Temple of the Gods.” He said, with a crisp and melodious voice.

“I humbly ask that you follow me, so that I may lead you to your meeting with the Goddess of Fortune.”

He bowed once more, then they all raised their heads, and went their own ways with the exception of Khemri, who smiled and waited for us to approach.

“…Thank you for receiving us, Head Priest. Lead the way.” Azoth said in a reserved voice.

I was curious, but I had a feeling that this was not the time to ask questions. So, we followed behind Khemri.

***

As we walked, we saw a number of people cleaning the floors or carrying things, and all of them gave us a bow before continuing to see to their duties.

“What are all of these people doing?” I asked.

“These worshippers are taking care of the temple with me. The temple has a number of duties to attend to, and so, there is need for those who would carry them out.” Khemri answered.

“Like what? This place seems huge, but I can’t tell what it’s for.”

“Well, we do a number of things. The first and most important of our duties is to prepare a place for the worship of the seven gods of Tamery. The temple must be prepared to accept worshippers no matter what time of day it is, and it must be kept clean and well-stocked at all times. After all, a temple to the gods must always be pristine as to befit their standing, and worshippers must always have the ability to pray to the gods.” He explained patiently.

“There are other duties as well; we offer aid and shelter to all who come to the temple, so long as they have not committed a serious crime against Tamery, her people, or the gods. We also prepare religious rituals, such as celebrations and special occasions. Finally, there are two critical but rare duties that we must attend to. The first is when the Gods invite a guest to visit them, such as yourselves, and the other, when they descend to our world, although that has occurred a few times since the Gods first descended upon Tamery, ending the dark ages.”

“I see. So that is why everyone came to see us; it’s not every day someone comes to visit a god!” I nodded in understanding.

Khemri smiled.

“Indeed, young one. The gods do not invite guests often, and it is our duty to welcome them with the best hospitality we have to offer, although we ought to do so for all who visit these halls regardless. I believe a large part of why no one was absent today was due to everyone’s curiosity to the kind of people a God would wish to meet, particularly the fickle and unpredictable Goddess of Fortune.”

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Soon, after a turn, we arrived at our destination. A large room with seven great statues arranged in a half circle stood before us. A circular platform with a short set of stairs around it stood in the middle of the gods, facing all of their gazes.

“Please climb to the circle ahead of you and stand in its center. The Goddess will then call upon you, meeting you in her domain.” Khemri said respectfully.

I noticed that a large number of people were hiding behind the corners of the hallway we came from, visibly excited to see what happens next.

“Very well. Let us go, my child. It’s time for us to get some answers.” Azoth said, walking towards the platform.

“Wait for me! And thanks for answering my questions, Mr. Khemri!” I said, following her.

In a few moments, we stood upon the platform, but nothing happened.

“Well, what no-” I said, only to be interrupted with the bright shine of the statue to the furthest left of the seven.

Covering my eyes, I looked to Azoth, but she maintained her silence. Then, a large number of pink circles, lines, letters, and symbols shined on the floor of the platform. Azoth held my hand and whispered to me in a grim voice.

“No matter what happens from this point, make sure you stay close to me. Do not ever lose direct contact and prepare yourself for anything.”

My eyes widened, and I nodded.

Soon, however, two of the other statues began to shine as well! Azoth’s eyes narrowed, and her gripped tightened around my hand. A commotion began behind me, but before I could figure anything out, a pillar of light struck us from the ceiling, and my vision faded to white.

***

My vision returned, and my hand was covering my eyes. The other was holding Azoth’s. We soon found ourselves in a field of wheat, clear skies, and gentle streams of water as far as the eye can see. Ahead of us, a table with five chairs was laid, and three of them were taken.

“It is my pleasure to finally meet you, young dragon.” Smiled the woman in the left seat.

She was dressed in a beautiful white dress covered with ornaments, with a number of strange symbols on her otherwise fair skin. With short black hair, the Goddess resembled the statue on the furthest left.

“My name is Renet. I am the Goddess of Fortune, your savior, and the one who holds the answers you seek.” She said, smiling towards me.

“Hold, Renet. I have a matter to discuss with this child as well; this matter is of grave enough importance to take precedence over everything else.” An old man said. He was dressed in a simple garment and covered in wrinkles, as if a stray breeze could send him to his grave. He looked towards me with great pity in his eyes.

“Wait for your turn, Hurun. Renet was the one to call the child first. We can speak after Renet does. After all, the youngster isn't going anywhere. Also, didn’t you say your business was also related to Amn? Shouldn't she be here? Ah, where are my manners. Greetings to you, my child. I am Aanat, the Goddess of Fertility. The man by my side is Hurun, the God of Mercy. Amn is the Goddess of Death and the Underworld, and apparently her business with you is connected to Hurun over here.”

“Do not waste my time. We have come here for answers, and we will leave after we get them.” Azoth said in a harsh voice, glaring with hostility towards the three of them.

“Now, now, Azoth. I know you are not very fond of us, but we only wish to speak with the child. Surely that is nothing to worry about - particularly with your presence?” said Aanat.

“Let’s hear them out. If we don’t like what we hear, we can walk away. Right?” I said to Azoth.

All eyes turned towards me, and Azoth contemplated in silence. In a few moments, Azoth spoke.

“If that is all, then it is permissible. That said, this child is a dragon. You tread very closely upon dangerous waters just by contacting one of our young; I suggest that you avoid getting any strange ideas, or I will personally remove you and your little cult from the face of this world.” Azoth growled menacingly.

“Peace, Frost Dragon. We are not here to provoke you. We know the terms of the treaty and have no intention of violating it. Besides, I believe some of the topics we will discuss today are going to interest you as well.” Said Renet.

“I will be the judge of that.” Said Azoth, and then maintained her silence.

“Well then, despite the rocky start, I believe we have plenty to discuss, young one. Please, take a seat!” Renet said to me, leaning forward with interest glimmering in her eyes.

I shuffled nervously, then began to walk toward my seat with Azoth, who kept her eyes on the other three as she accompanied me.