Mary watched as the old gods left winking out one by one. She kept her senses on one spot and heard Ocidon chuckle. Zoratus the sage looking irked rematerialized.
« I will be visiting you youngster, you have knowledge I want. Huh, next time we meet in a water free environment. »
Then after another irritated look at a highly amused Ocidon he too left.
« So Ocidon, I thought our agreement was allies, why consort and how have I ended up ascendin’ to demi-godhood? »
« We triggered the prophecy. That led to the gods war starting. Then I needed help and we humbled Blackbeard and the System and Prophesy acted to... Well to be honest I’m not certain what they did or didn’t do but the influx of divine manna coupled with the Prophesy... Well I acknowledged you as my consort. It gave us the best chance of saving Parthia and ourselves. »
« I don’t really want to end up a goddess, you lot have too many limitations and rules. »
« Us lot Mary. If Ice Heart is destroyed with your help and you keep frustrating Vortexius Blackbeard then you will ascend. And then we will have a good chance of winning. Especially if we can detach one of the new gods to our side. »
Mary looked unsmilingly at Ocidon. « Beep! ... Oh beep the System! ... ‘K then, I don’t like it but livin’ on an Ice Ball would be far worse. What ‘bout the other worlds? »
« Hard to say, but we might be able to help their old gods to save their people. There is a chance they might try to get in contact when they learn the Prophesy has been triggered. »
« So, Ice Heart next? Maybe I should have a chat with Penguintopia. Bet that one’s from Earth too. »
« You should have a chat with my priests and your voice. I suspect you need to talk with Victoria too. I suspect that like me you are going to need two priesthoods. Water and Land. »
« Where can I get hold a copy of this Prophesy? »
« Talk to my priests. Warn yours about Bordianna the harvest maid and Zoratus the sage because their priests are going to start turning up. I suggest you don’t allow your Mock Turtle transport system kill them should they be reckless and decide to use it. »
« Good point. See you ‘round. »
And then there was only Ocidon. He grinned ruefully, ‘that went better than I expected. The next step is going to be far trickier ... but we’ve got time now.’
Then the meeting place of the old gods was empty.
* * *
Alessandrina woke from a comfortable dream that left her feeling happy. She knew what she had to do so she got up fed her cats disposed of their two offerings and went to find her parents.
She found them having breakfast with her brother. She smiled, and joined them. “’Morning, I have a message for you from Mary Silvestre. Will you please be present for a formal meeting regarding the future. It will take place in the little bay on the seawards coast of the children’s island at noon today.”
“What bay?” asked Viriaathos, “and who else will be present?”
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“The new bay near the fairy tale dungeon. Me, you, Mary, Trisha and the temple bigwigs.”
Rhondaa blinked in surprise, “Alessandrina, show some respect for you elders please. Bigwigs indeed!”
Drina finished bolting down her breakfast and rose from the table, “please excuse me I have lots of people to see about this meeting.”
Drina discovered that Danilus Oakborn was taking the morning service at the temple so she accosted Annoraa the Fair next. She left her feeling a bit bemused, Annoraa just found idea of a child as the Voice jarring. Nevertheless she agreed to be at the meeting.
Rafael Twiceborn was next, Drina found him inspecting the guard on the seaward tower. “Hi Rafe,” she said with a wide mischievous grin, “Mary Silvestre wants you at a meeting at noon today. She wants to discuss the future with you lot. Please be at the bay on the seaward side of the children’s island.”
Rafael choked while his two guards fought to hide their amusement.
“Bye Rafe, see ya there,” and with that and a giggle she skipped down the tower stairs, and raced to dive into the lagoon. Then she was swimming towards the temples.
Drina found Danilus Oakborn making his way back to his office and gave him the message. Danilus for his part sensed a subtle change in his friends’ daughter and he examined her carefully even as he agreed to be present at the meeting. He watched as the girl dove and headed towards the undersea temple.
Drina found Altor Seaswept meditating in his temple and waited for him to emerge from his trance. Then she passed him her message.
* * *
Tomcat worked his beloved Alessandrina’s Glory north along the former Pirate Coast and across the Sarmad channel to the southern coast of the continent of Nordland. There were two stops before Tarasand. At both people disembarked gratefully with official letters from Blue Lagoon.
Tarasand was different, Tomcat navigated the numerous rocky reefs and tied up at the sunken city’s commercial docks. He gazed somewhat apprehensively at the numerous buildings that seemed to rise from the sea itself.
Velgor accepted the letter containing Blue Lagoons offer from Tomcat. “I’ll see this delivered and I’ll be back shortly with the family matriarch. And I suspect with Clarrina and her father. Don’t vanish Tomcat or things will not go well for you.”
Tomcat sighed, his tail drooping slightly. “Very well, but I can’t wait too long, I still have a lot of deliveries.”
“Understood, but you would do well to wait.”
No sooner had Velgor left than one of the local priests of Ocidon came aboard and invited him to visit the local temple. Tomcat cocked his head to one side, opened his mouth and closed it again. Then he turned to his first mate and said. “George, will you please ask Velgor and whoever arrives with him to wait as I’ve been ordered to visit the temple of Ocidon.”
“And of his consort Mary Silvestre,” added the priest.
“What he said,” agreed Tomcat before climbing on his ship’s rail and diving into the harbour. Tomcat was followed by the priest. The two of them made their way deeper into the underwater part of the city where they entered the temple and were met by the local high priest.
George, tail wagging looked round. “Hey break out the grog, lets have a toast for Mother.”
* * * INTERLUDE * * *
They arrived sooner anyone expected and Commander Meadows arranged for a berth, or rather he cleared them for the prearranged berth.
Mary verified that her toy was properly berthed and along with her mother accompanied several officers to yet another meeting.
Meadows and his crew went to report to their superior. Lieutenant Partlow handed over the bag of bugs to the security officer.
Then, standing at ease in front of the Captain’s desk they were examined by Captain Gallows. “Sit, sit. Now tell me what the hell you think you are doing. What do you mean by dismissing personnel that do not answer to you?”
“He nearly shot our principal, master sergeant Tod had informed us of the girl’s bodyguard and he damn near killed her to protect a vampire! How am I to gain her trust if that over eager idiot remains?”
“Your job is to command the close in detail. That alleged bodyguard has not been vetted so is not to be trusted. Gain her trust Meadows. Should be easy enough. She’s young enough to be gullible.”
Meadows despaired. “Is that overeager idiot still on the protection detail?”
“Yes. He’s our best sniper after all.”
“Why all the bugs, that didn’t help either.”
“She missed one. So she’s not as smart as she thinks. Do better Commander. Dismissed.”
* * *
That evening in her room at a local hotel Mary spoke with Tessa and Lissa. Then the three went for a stroll cloaked by the leopard girls cloaking magic. They visited a few locations on the base and Mary increased her collection interesting templates. They arrived back at the hotel near dawn.