The passage is slow. But, the woman's ankle recovers well as the days pass.

Ahead, we see the signs of civilization. High walls and a strong gate guard the temple.

As we approach, I see a man looking down from atop the wall.

"That's close enough," he says in a low, masculine, voice.

We come to a stop at his command.

"Where are you coming from?"

The answer should be obvious. "From the third temple."

The man is silent, "We've had an issue with lizard men. They can appear as one of us. I can't let you in without testing you."

My thoughts turn to the people tracking us. It's a rational fear.

"What do you want us to do?"

The man explains, "The glamour fluctuates underwater. We can see who you are one by one."

The answer is simpler than I expected.

I look at the group and see resolute expressions—all but for one.

I feel my suspicion grow. But, I hold my peace.

One by one, the guard dumps a barrel of water on us.

It's peculiar. But, steadily, we gain the trust of the man above.

But, then, only one still needs to be tested—the woman with the sprained ankle.

She looks around, as if unsure of what to do.

"Come on," one of the party calls out.

She bristles at the words.

I know what she'll do.

Her ankle seemingly healed, so she turns around and runs.

I see some surprised and some unsurprised faces.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

I'm left to wonder what this glamour is that we could even make contact with the lizard creature without recognizing it.

Such thoughts stay with me for a moment before the gate is opened.

Our greeting party is more numerous than I expected, considering only one guard had tested us.

"Challengers," comes a friendly-looking old man. His back stooped and supported by a cane.

I stop before the sage.

"It is good that you have passed the trial to this point," comes the old man's shaky voice. "Please, you must rest after your journey. Come with me."

We are guided through the temple grounds. As we enter the courtyard, the shanty town of homeless challengers meets my eyes.

While fewer than from the second temple, this temple boasts more challengers than I would expect from this deep into the trial.

"You can rest easy here," the old man says when he finds an open piece of land.

"Thank you," I say with gratitude.

"It is my pleasure to host those brave enough to challenge the gate. And, I know the danger of the third temple. That god has its own way of granting blessings. But, please, don't think harshly of the gods. Most are happy to give the blessing without additional testing."

I nod my head. But all I heard was him saying most gods. Most, but not every.

Whatever other woes I have, I feel the call of sleep upon me.

My wet clothes must be aired out, so I'm left underclothed as I crawl onto my bedroll.

The other party members go through the same process before bedding down.

When I come to, I see Samantha looking at me with her black eyes.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

She smiles a sad smile.

"I think I should leave?"

If she'd slapped me, I'd be less stunned.

"Why?" I ask as though I don't already know.

She frowns, "The gate isn't something someone like me can breach. The gods will continue blessing you. But, they won't bless me. Our companionship ends the moment you pass the trial."

Her words are sad. But she speaks the truth.

"How will you go back?" I ask.

"I won't."

I'm uncertain. "What?"

She looks resolute, "I've already spoken with the head priest. They will welcome me to train as a monk. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it?"

Her levity belies her anxiety.

"I understand."

She looks both relieved and remorseful.

"I'll see you again before you leave. If you have the time."

I nod my agreement, and she departs, her belongings already gone.

The other party members are still sleeping, and I wonder if I shouldn't press forward alone.

First, the god's residence looms over me as I approach the great hall.

Unlike with death, this god favors a warm atmosphere in its temple.

I see the figure at the head of the hall, seated on a massive chair.

The god has the visage of a man the size of a small house. His beard burns red like flowing lava.

"You're the latest," the titan comments.

I nod my head in stunned silence.

"You're safe, little one. Unlike the crazy bastard before me, I consider the trial to be reaching the temple. No need to torment you for fun."

I nod my head, unsure of how I should speak to this god.

The figure chuckles as he waves a hand at me, and I'm pushed back.

"There," comes the giant man. "You have my blessing. I wish you good fortune in your challenge."

I feel a rush of warmth that had been lacking after death's blessing.

I bow respectfully before departing.

This hall that could seat a thousand looks sad for its lack of guests. I wonder to myself who would be invited to the feast of a god.

Whatever else, I have what I came here to receive.