Soon, the light faded, and we found ourselves back on the platform that stood before the silent gaze of the statues of the gods.
“Our business here is concluded. Follow me, we have plenty to discuss, but we’ll need to do it in a private setting.” Azoth said, sighing deeply and walking down the stairs.
Still dazed from the bombshells dropped on me, it took me a moment to follow after Azoth. Khemri was waiting for us, and the rest of the temple’s caretakers were nowhere to be seen.
“I hope that your encounter with the gods was fruitful and enlightening. Is there anything else I can help you with?” Khemri said.
“It definitely was. I am still trying to wrap my head around everything they told us. Are you curious as to what we discussed?”
“Well, If I am meant to know what the gods spoke to you about, then they will tell me. Otherwise, there is no need for me to ask. That said, I suppose you do not know much about the Tameryian Pantheon based on our conversations. Would you like to learn more about them? Perhaps it will help you digest what you have learned.” Khemri suggested.
“We met three of the gods, and heard mention of Amn, the Goddess of Death and the Underworld, but could you tell me who the other three are?” I asked, taking him up on his offer.
Khemri smiled at me.
“I am more than happy to answer that for you. The god standing between the statues of the Goddess of Fortune and the Goddess of Fertility is Huros, the God of Protection and Healing. He is widely known for his affinity with the sky and is most popular amongst members of the army, the guard, healing priests, the wounded, and the ill. He is also known for his enmity with the Evil God of Chaos, Setoth, cursed be his name.” Khemri’s face darkened with trepidation at the thought of evil god, then shook his head and carried on.
“On the furthest right, you can see Amn, the Goddess of Death and the Underworld, and next to her is Hurun, the God of Mercy, who you should be acquainted with. The Goddess of Death holds a special place in the hearts of all Tameryians since death will take us all one day. Her late father, a god in his own right, Anobus, held her position among the Gods before her and was just as beloved. His loss was a grave wound to all of Tamery.” Khemri said, his voice somber.
“To Hurun’s left stands the statue of Mett, the Goddess of Order and Justice.”
Azoth frowned for an instant at the mention of the name, then her expression quickly returned to the usual passive state. I think Khemri did not notice, but I barely managed to do it.
“Mett is famed for establishing the social classes of Tamery and for creating its first laws, as well as for being one of the most accomplished fighters during the Celestial War. She is worshipped by members of the aristocracy and employees of the Ministry of Justice, such as judges, prosecutors, and lawyers. She also commands a respectable following from those who seek revenge or justice.”
“Finally, the statue in the center belongs to the Amon-Re, the leader of the gods. He is the Patron God of the Theocracy of Tamery as well as the nation’s founder. Associated with the sun, he is worshipped by all, but his dedicated followers tend to be the most patriotic members of our society. He is also the god who grants the Pharaoh divine right to rule, and the only authority with the power to take it away from them. It is said that pharaohs who complete their duties to Tamery join the ranks of the Lesser Gods upon the end of their rule, given that Amon-Re did not withdraw their right to rule and execute them for egregious failures in their duties. Thankfully, this has only occurred rarely in Tameryian history.”
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“As fascinating as this lecture about Tamery’s gods is, we have places to be.” Said Azoth, hurrying us to follow her.
“My apologies, I was too immersed in conversation. Let us continue the discussion on the way to the exit. Is there anything else you would like to know?” Khemri said, as we rounded the corner, the sight of the statues disappearing behind the wall.
“Well, I’d like to know what Renet, Hurun, and Aanat are known for and who worships them as well, if you don’t mind!” I said, interested to learn more about the gods who granted me their boons.
“Well, the Goddess of Fortune is difficult to understand. Her motivations are subject to great debate, and she does not seem to be involved with matters that affect the daily lives of Tameryians. Besides her fame for the endless debates, she is the subject of, not much is known about her. Given her fickle nature and the lack of visible benefits to her worship, she is the least popular amongst the seven gods. She does receive worship from those who are in desperate need of luck, such as gamblers, students, soldiers, and so on.”
“The God of Mercy is widely worshipped by many of the lower classes of Tamery; it is thanks to his efforts and those of Mett that the less fortunate of our society fare far better than those of the other four nations. Hurun receives prayers from many of the suffering and those whose hearts ache for them. His popularity even reaches to many in other nations, both among the Gods and foreign rulers, as well as their masses alike. He was also one of the three gods to reach out to the dragons and pave the road for the treaty that ended the Celestial War, so I am willing to wager he is even begrudgingly respected among some of the Dragons as well.”
“Wow… I didn’t know the old man did so much. I should probably ask him all about it the next time we meet! By the way, who were the other two gods to reach out to the dragons?”
Khemri chuckled.
“All of the gods have accomplished many extraordinary feats, but I do agree that Hurun is particularly accomplished. I am particularly partial towards him as well, but let’s keep that between the two of us.” He said as he winked at me and smiled.
“The other two gods who sought to reconcile with the dragons are the eldest of the Gods, the Divine Elephant of Tyr, and the Ionian Goddess of Peace, Erena. Thanks to the three of them, as well as the Life Dragon and the late Aqua Dragon, that peace between the Gods and the Dragons reigns to this day.”
At the mention of the Aqua Dragon, Azoth’s grip on my hand grew tighter. I glanced towards her to see if she was alright, but Khemri carried on with his lecture.
“Last but definitely not least is Aanat. The Goddess of Fertility is famous around the world for creating the various races of the Children of the Gods, colloquially known as ‘beastmen’. Beastmen have contributed a great deal to society, in both civil and martial affairs. They have had a great impact on every nation’s culture, even the Latium Republic itself, which is hostile towards them, and none of that would have occurred without her aid. With her blessing, humans and beastmen can also marry and reproduce, and the child of such a union has an even chance of being either of the parents’ race. Her blessing is powerful enough that even couples of the same gender or less common genders can be granted children of their own, which is why most beastmen and those who wish to be blessed with children worship her. That said, there are members of other societies, particularly the Latium Republic, who hold her, those who worship her, and those who were born thanks to her in contempt.” Khemri sighed.
“It is because of this that the Latium Republic is belligerent towards Tamery, besides their normal contempt for the Gods. They would have declared war already had they not been busy feuding with the Beast Nation of Tyr, who they hate even more than us. Fortunately, there is no land border between the two of us and the Republic’s navy is no match for that of Tyr. Ah, we have arrived at the entrance to the temple! Time flew by, and you made for a great listener, my child. If only most of the children who visit the temple paid as much attention…” Khemri shook his head.
“Thank you for teaching my child about the history of the Tameryian pantheon, Head Priest. I wish you a pleasant day.”
“Thanks for answering my questions! Take care!” I said, waving my free hand as I descended down the marble stairs with Azoth.
“I wish you luck with your future endeavours, my child. Farewell!” Khemri said, waving back as he smiled at me.