by Erik Weir
Vala looked away, “We can be childish as well.”
Victor listened intently as the goddess continued.
“On a fateful night, Baaldir sang his love for me as we entwined in loving bliss. When his cosmic seed entered my celestial womb, we did something that had never happened before in the span of the universe…we conceived a child, a child born of two celestial beings.”
Victor’s eyes widened before confusion took hold.
Vala let out a small laugh. “Mortals can have children, but higher beings cannot…until that night. Baaldir watched as my belly grew with new life. Time sped up as we remained locked in the child’s growth. In cosmic moments, I held life once again in my womb like I did when I was mortal. It was supposed to be a magical moment, discussed and admired for eons to come.”
A tear streaked down Vala’s white cheek.
“My son was born and Baaldir took him into his arms before vile hate filled his entire being…and he crushed him with his bare hands. He ranted and raved on how such a thing could happen! He cursed me as I sobbed, accusing me of tricking him into creating life so I could seize power from all. Madness gripped him before he fled.
“I mourned my lost child. The power of my mourning afflicted all. The rest of the pantheon felt it, but didn’t know what transpired. I collected my shattered self and prepared to resume my duties when they came for my followers. Baaldir spoke to others in the Pantheon, telling them I could create abominations and he witnessed it. Their love turned to hate and then rage. My people…my followers…my loves…were raped and slain, bodies cut to pieces and fed to animals. Temples were burned and my worship outlawed. When I had grown weak, seven of them came for me here in my realm. The last of my people I tried to save were slaughtered. This very temple burned as I lay dying.”
Victor’s heart twisted in his chest.
“I knew I could not win against their combined might so I let a piece of me slip away while they hacked me to pieces. While they raged, I grabbed parts of myself and quickly dispersed them across the six realms before the last of my essence crossed the vastness of space, jumping from one dream to the next. It was all I could do.”
“Vala…I’m so sorry,” Victor said with a heavy heart.
The goddess smiled as the tear faded away. “I lost everything when I fled, even my hope. When I entered a dream with one of Baaldir’s wolves chasing me, I thought this was my end until a young man who had no reason to fight for me, grabbed a sharp stone and defended me with his life.”
Vala turned her shadowy eyes to Victor, “You question your faith in me as all should when they face the great darkness, but know this, I will never question my faith in you, my Champion. You restored hope to me and I will always be grateful.”
Victor slid off the bench and kneeled before the goddess, head bowed. “I’m sorry Vala if I questioned your intentions before. It…won’t happen again.”
Vala smiled, “Rise my Blade, stand before your goddess.”
Victor stood up; eyes heavy in sorrow.
Vala stayed sitting, looking up to the handsome young man. “You have no need to say such things. I understand your heart and with time, you will understand mine. For now, time is running short and I require a promise from you.”
Victor kept his eyes neutral as he listened intently.
“Time flows like a river. My kind can see glimpses into the future, but they are not set. I have given more power than one would give to a Champion but there can be a terrible price. I have seen aspects of your fate and you must promise me…when darkness has consumed you…do not lose control of your heart. Can you promise me?”
“I promise,” Victor said without hesitation even though he didn’t know exactly what she meant.
Vala nodded. “Thank you, Victor.”
Victor wanted to reach down, pick up the goddess and hold her tight. He wanted to show her he would forever remain at her side. Heart beating faster, his hand shook as he reached out to her. Vala’s image blended into the background as bliss flared. Victor continued to reach for her, but she seemed to move away faster even though she remained seated. The dreamscape spiraled and a moment later, Victor’s eyes shot open.
The young man sat up as Cassandra was beside him, lips wrapped around his stiff cock. The Keeper lovingly suckled on his manhood with long strokes. Victor couldn’t fight the bliss washing over him and when it reached a fevered pitch, his cock thickened and hot seed spurted into Cassandra’s throat. The Keeper continued to slid up and down, sucking down every drop of come until she pulled away with a satisfied smile.
“You saw Vala,” Cassandra said simply. “I can taste it.”
“Vala appeared and showed me the meaning behind it all. We need to get Vonn, Lily, and Dawn here. There’s a lot to talk about,” Victor said as he chased away tendrils of bliss.
Ten
Cassandra hummed as she brought a tea kettle and tea cups on a silver tray to a large table. Victor sat on one end while Vonn sat to his left. Lily and Dawn sat side by side to the right, an empty chair by Vonn waited. Victor tented his fingers, gaze cast down on the thick wooden table as a storm of information sparked across his mind. Lily sat back relaxed while Dawn took a tea cup from the Keeper.
A cup was set before Victor before steamy tea poured from the kettle. The Blade looked up to see Cassandra’s smile and for a second, it melted his heart. It still took some getting used to seeing Cassandra’s eight-foot frame, but seeing her so energetic and happy caused Victor to involuntary smile. When she finished pouring tea for everyone, the Keeper made her way to Vonn’s side and sat down.
“Okay, I’ll try to be as brief and detailed as possible…,” Victor said as he told the gathered women what happened in his vision. He explained the event the best he could up until the point where he and Vala were alone. Mouth closing shut; he would keep what she told him about her child secret just as he promised.
Lily’s expression didn’t change, eyes regarding Victor coolly. Dawn’s eyes widened a little while shadows covered Vonn’s eyes. A moment of silence fell over the table as they mulled over the information.
Vonn was first to speak, “I can understand why Vala would want you to come to me for more information. I only made the connection a little while ago and it is something we should be concerned about.
“Draygon, as he is calling himself, appears to be an Elder Spawn. On Dark Spire, there are twelve Elders walking the planet. The reason there are only twelve is because my people hunt Elder Spawn before they have a chance to grow. It takes millennia to eons for spawn birthed from full grown Elders to mature. They often fall from their creators and find a place to hide so they may take their time maturing into the giant creatures you have seen.”
“How long have your people hunted them,” Victor asked.
“It was the first thing my people performed to survive. Elder spawn provided food and their bones could be used as tools. Before we gained the crystal lights above our cities, Kurggoth were nomadic, following the Elders and eating their young when they were spawned. As we managed to gain our civilization, we continued to send out hunters to ensure no Elder Spawn would have too long to grow. Hunters are paid in books and status, but it is dangerous work. There are always casualties on a hunt.”
“It sounds like Draygon is speeding up the process,” Lily stated.
“From how he talked to the other gods, it seems like he wants to consume Vala when she resurrects,” Victor said darkly.
“Elders are stronger than gods, but several gods could become a challenge,” Vonn added.
“So far, Nyphy is the only goddess who has shown herself to be in favor of Vala’s return. We are going to need more on our side if Draygon continues. He learned that killing an acolyte will not stop a piece of Vala returning. If anything, it accelerates it,” Victor said out loud.
Lily leaned forward, “It would sound like killing acolytes will get him closer to Vala’s resurrection, but he did mention that death was not the answer. Maybe
he isn’t strong enough to consume Vala if that is his end goal.”
“Vala is getting stronger with each acolyte that is unlocked,” Cassandra added.
Victor tapped his fingers against each other, “From the fight, I got the impression he is calculating his time and effort. He needed to find out key answers and discovering my name and the effect of killing acolytes seemed to play into those findings.
“Cassandra, are we safe here?”
The Keeper gave a small nod. “Vala’s power has grown enough to secure her realm against one or two gods, but I’m not sure beyond that. The protection grows with each acolyte you discover. Draygon may not be powerful enough to enter Vala’s realm now, but I can’t say for sure how long we will have that protection against him.”
Victor nodded before gazing into Cassandra’s eyes. “Something I have been meaning to ask, where exactly will Vala’s resurrection take place?”
The Keeper smiled. “It will happen here, in her realm. Now that I have become my youthful self again, I can begin the process of repairing the damage to the villages at the base of the mountain and the temple at the top. There will be protocols we will have to follow, but we can discuss it when the temple and villages are fully repaired.”
Victor nodded. “I think now is the time we take stock on what is happening here. We have new acolytes and everyone will have to contribute. There has been a lot of information, but we haven’t laid out a plan for the future.”
“The War Maidens are eager to assist in the reconstruction,” Cassandra added.
Victor raised an eyebrow.
“The acolytes from the Tempest realm, they wish to be called War Maidens. As for some of the others, Skye and Kira can bring their knowledge of alchemy to us. Vonn and Yimer can aid in restoring our libraries,” Cassandra said as she took a sip of her tea.
“Skye told me Kira was a scribe. Will that help us in any way?” Victor asked.
Cassandra nodded. “The old books dedicated to Vala’s teaching were lost, destroyed or scattered a long time ago. If Kira is a true scribe, she will be able to channel Vala’s word for all to read. The dragons can assist with divine scripture and aiding in reconstruction. The Slyths have already begun some work on the village at the base of the mountain and I’m sure will welcome the help.”
“My sister can help with procuring knowledge,” Dawn added.
“Is she well enough to try,” Victor said in a neutral tone, not wanting to voice his concern over the elf’s erratic behavior.
Dawn nodded. “She has become very lucid as long as she takes the potions. From what little we talked recently; she is eager to become a useful member in Vala’s realm.”
“We haven’t addressed the Xull probe we discovered on Eddor,” Lily stated.
Cassandra’s eyes remained cool as she spoke, “Xull hasn’t crossed over to any of the realms before.”
The lilac colored succubus nodded. “Victor and I talked and it seemed like they are gathering information. To what end, we don’t know.”
“As Keeper, I will have to commune with Vala for some answers. It will take some time,” Cassandra said while giving Victor a wicked grin.
“I live to serve,” Victor shot back his own warm grin.
“For now, I will speak to the acolytes, informing them of what we have discovered and the path we will be taking. I would recommend all of you get some rest. There is a lot of work to be done and I can’t have Vala’s Blade, Shield and Lover not ready to face the tasks ahead of us.”
“Lover,” Victor said with a questioning raise of his brow.
The Keeper turned her attention to Dawn, “There are many roles to fill for Vala’s resurrection. Dawn has achieved a role of one of Vala’s Lovers. Their role is seduction and assassination.”
All eyes turned to the elf with glasses as she looked away.
“I didn’t know Vala had assassins,” Victor said puzzled.
“All religions have their warriors, priests, servants, and those who walk the darker edges of reality. Vala is no different. There will be others to fit certain roles as their powers and abilities begin to grow.”
“I gained the ability to cause sleep with a kiss,” Dawn said reluctantly.
Cassandra continued, “The seductive Night Kiss is granted to those with the ability to carry out Vala’s will in discrete situations.”
Victor eyed Dawn and cracked a smile. “Congratulations?”
The elf’s smile grew wider, “It is my new duty for Vala so I may not always be around.”
“I’m sure it will be needed when the time comes,” Victor said with a reassuring smile.
Cassandra stood up, towering over everyone else, “I’ll begin informing everyone. All of you have earned your rest. When I have some answers, I will come looking for you.”
Victor’s body nearly deflated in the chair. He had been running himself ragged and some R and R was just what he needed. Thinking to the acolytes already here, he certainly didn’t want to get in anyone’s way. Thoughts shifted to the temple at the top of the mountain and the Blade sighed his need to get away for a little while.
Lily turned to Dawn, eyes holding a dark glow, “We should talk about your new status. I might have some information you can use.”
The elf nodded.
Vonn rose up on her tentacles, “Cassandra, I will assist in disseminating what we have learned to the others, if you will allow me?”
Cassandra smiled, “Please do accompany me. It has been such a long time since I have shared company with a Kurggoth.”
The warp spawn bowed with a small smile.
Victor stood up and stretched his arms over his head. “I…think…I’ll take walk. Clear my head.”
The women at the table eyed the Blade before nodding in agreement. Victor gave them a quick wave before walking away from the table and out the front door. Stepping onto the stone street, the air felt particularly pure, taking a deep breath before walking on. It didn’t take long before he reached the ancient stairway built into the mountain. With one foot in front of the other, he began the slow climb to Vala’s peak.
Mind drifting, Victor found himself lost in thought. Images of Draygon filtered into his mind’s eye and an uncomfortable feeling filled his entire body. The elder spawn was beyond his power level and Victor didn’t like the fact he would run into him in the future.
Draygon is nothing more than a child. You can take on a child.
“Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but he isn’t some normal child,” Victor whispered.
I can feel your positive light dimming. You’re really worried.
“Wouldn’t you be too? I mean, this is some next level pressure here.”
You’re not alone.
Victor sighed. “I’m never alone.”
Time bled away as Chill grew silent. Reaching the top of the mountain, Victor walked toward the cracked archway of the destroyed temple. Long shadows crisscrossed the area as pale moonlight glowed. Victor found himself moving through the decayed temple, eyes drinking in the sword marks against stone and long dried soot against some destroyed walls. Terrible images filled his mind of what happened here and he quickly pushed it away.
Something tugged from Victor’s heart. Looking down, darkness poured into his vision. Falling to his knees, he opened his mouth as darkness emerged from his eyes, mouth, and chest. It spiraled outward until it formed a thin figure made of shadow, oval blue eyes opening and blinking.
Victor stayed on his knees as he looked up to Chill.
“I thought I would give you some time by yourself,” the shadow said with a thin line for a mouth.
“Actually, it might be nice to talk to another guy…if you’re a guy.”
“I was once a man, a long time ago,” Chill said indifferently.
Victor turned his body and laid back onto the cold stone floor. Chill watched as the Blade placed his hands on his stomach, eyes looking up to the black sky and crescent moon. The shadow sank low, body morphing and chang
ing until he too was on his back, lying next to Victor and staring up at the moon.
“Did you hear everything Vala told me?”
Chill nodded, “Every word.”
“I thought this would be tough before…now it feels impossible. Baaldir is a badass, but fighting a crazed Elder as well is just a bit too much.”
“You’re worried you’re going to fail,” Chill said in a deep voice.
Victor stared up. “It isn’t so much about me. It’s more about others dying in the crusade. Putting my life on the line is one thing, but…,” Victor trailed off.
“From what I see, everyone has already made their choices. As sickeningly sweet as you want to protect everyone, you’re just one man. Stop being a tool to your inner code of honor and accept that this is your life now.”
Victor was silent for a moment before parting lips. “You have always been the voice of reason.”
Chill blinked before crossing his black arms. “I have no choice in this relationship. As long as I’m in your heart, I have to keep you alive.”
“You say the nicest things,” Victor chuckled.
The shadow rose up and rolled onto its side, hand holding up its smooth head. “Is this some kind of pity party because if it is, I’ll just crawl into your heart and sleep it off.”
Victor stopped chuckling and looked over to the shadow, “No pity party, but sometimes it’s just nice to let the words out and be done with it. I know we will carry on like we have. I know others will die, including us if we cannot overcome. But knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. I’m just glad I have a friend who will tell it like it is.”
“Lily and Dawn will tell you the same thing,” Chill said with a small smile.
“I know.”
Chill looked up, “Have you thought it over what you’re going to do once Vala arrives?”
“Continue to follow her I suppose,” Victor said without giving it much thought.