Kijani huffed with an eye roll, but kept his attention on both Simeon and Eloy, waiting to see who would speak first.
“Not relent, but to uphold our own promises. What we made to Hersi and why he allowed us to return to this earth. We need to make right what we have broken,” Eloy said.
“Why do you have these thoughts now? What has changed in you, Eloy?” Kijani asked with a sip of his wine.
“I have already told you,” Eloy said, then waved his hand dismissively.
“Bah, Simeon has been at odds with the three of us from practically day one after we established our rule. Two hundred years of his complaints and they have fallen on deaf ears… until now. Why is that?” Kijani stared hard at Eloy as if daring him to speak the truth of his suspicions. To confirm them.
“Two hundred years has been long enough to ignore what we have done. Bringing this world back together, I do agree was wise. Humans have been torn apart by much, we should not contribute to their own flaws. We should lead by example and set them on the path to glory not failure. I have been wrong long enough, Kijani. We three have been wrong and we know it. We feel it, for we are Hersi’s greatest creation and only within these weak human bodies have we succumbed to their imperfections. Lust, greed, envy, wrath, sloth, so much gluttony, and worst of all, pride. As gods in heaven, we were above all of that. We have sullied ourselves and must cleanse our souls,” Eloy stated, then paused and stared forward as if stunned by his own words.
“Let us truly lead these humans the way we were meant to,” Simeon added.
Kijani remained silent as he studied Eloy. It was Odessa who spoke next. “This one will not give up cock, breast, or tongue, as it gives her great pleasure.”
“We will not ask you to, but you can reward the human whose cock, breast, and tongue has pleased you. Perhaps with blessings,” Eloy said. “Simeon does not have slaves, he has servants who enjoy working for him because he has shown them that he values them. Perhaps you can do the same.”
Odessa rolled her eyes. “This one thinks she has heard enough.”
Simeon shook his head. “Not even close. We have created a world built on greed and envy the most. Let us do away with money all together. People should be rich by what they can provide for each other. Water is given by us, so why are some allowed to charge for it? Man must be given reign of this land once more, but to share it equally. No longer should there be a divide of rich and poor, not when everything is readily available for all. No longer should a few hold power over the majority.”
“Then how will we create and maintain order? These humans are wild, savage when not controlled. We have seen such things from them since their creation. How you do propose we establish a world where they do not kill themselves?” Kijani asked.
“We cannot guarantee such things. We cannot, because they are flawed. But we must allow them to be as they were meant to be, but with some guidance on our part. We have fed into and fed them the very worst of ourselves. We have glorified all that is wrong and we… we must change all that,” Eloy stated, then put his wine glass down. “One day, many centuries from now, we will have to answer for what we have done on this earth. Answer to Hersi… what can we tell him that we could be proud of?”
This time, no one spoke and the space was filled with a silence so deafening, it reached deeply into each god’s being, begging them to think. To reflect. For one day, they would have to answer to the god of life. Would he punish them for their disobedience? Would he forgive them as he’d done countless humans who must answer for their own sins? Would he hold them in the same regard considering that they were prone to human weakness or would he hold them at a higher standard? Would he lock them in stone, to be statues in heaven that human souls gaze upon in wonderment? Their powers active without their consent or control? Would he ever set them free again if he did? They were not immortal, and one day, they would have to bow before the mighty god, Hersi, and give account and be judged.
The god of life was merciful… until he wasn’t.
Odessa coughed to clear her throat, which had gone dry as she imagined a fate worse than death when that time came. “This one… is convinced that we four have strayed.” She put her wine glass down. “What would you have this one do?”
“So easily you give in, Odessa,” Kijani accused.
“This one would rather not have Hersi’s wrath put upon her. Not for the sake of cock and tongue.”
“Or breast?” Kijani quipped.
“Not for any wanton pleasure, this one will not suffer,” Odessa said, placing her hand on her chest for emphasis.
Eloy and Simeon shared a quick look, pleased that they had reached at least one of the two who still resisted in some way or another.
“We need to destroy the world we have created… at least the structure that allows the Elite to control all. We need to abolish slavery in all its forms. We need to give our blessings freely whether these humans worship us or not. That includes giving blessings to those in the badlands,” Eloy said.
“Fruit grows as long as we provide water and god Hersi shines the sun. Animals and vegetables provide sustenance as long as humans are not wasteful or seek to kill for sport until all things are extinct. Water, wind, fire, land… it is all here because we give it. There is no need for humans to charge for something that we gods have provided for free. We must remove the rubio currency,” Simeon stated.
“Humans will balk, they will lose faith,” Kijani said, shaking his head.
“I disagree. Not when we show unification and control. Who would dare challenge us? Not when what we create will benefit the majority, and those who balk will learn to adjust,” Simeon stated. “Are you sure it is the humans who will balk and not you?”
“I have only ever wanted one thing in this world,” Kijani said, then his gaze shifted over to Eloy. “You want to bring a peace to this world? Fine. It seems as though I am out-voted as that one fears Hersi’s retribution.” He pointed a thumb towards Odessa.
“And you do not?” Odessa asked.
“I fear a short reign. I fear loneliness on this plane,” Kijani said, then turned back to Eloy. “Do what you will, I will stand by you. But as I stated before, I want something in return.”
Eloy sighed. “That is something I cannot and will not give you, Kijani. I cannot take you as my lover.”
“Is it because you have already found yourself a lover?” Kijani asked.
Eloy laughed and shook his head. “We have been great friends, Kijani, and on occasion, I have taken pleasure being inside of you and having you be inside me. But we two gods do not make good lovers. To be in constant company of each other would be exhausting, why even in heaven, we have our individual temples.”
“Then share my bed more than you do now,” Kijani said as his way of compromising for he knew he held no advantage as Odessa had conceded.
Eloy climbed out of his lounge chair and made his way over to Kijani, kneeling beside him. Kijani was already sitting upright and he leaned closer to Eloy, his eyes boring into the other god’s, hopeful he’d give in to his request.
“Let us shake the ground tonight, then. When you leave here to go to your temple, I will join you,” Eloy said. He would patronize Kijani for the time being. If the god didn’t think anyone else was in Eloy’s life, persuading him, then he could keep Kijani from convincing Odessa to renege on her decision to join him and Simeon in making the changes that needed to be done.
“Let these be the last Games if the gladiators choose to not fight any longer,” Simeon said, bringing the conversation back around to their points.
Eloy kissed Kijani quickly on the lips, then return to his lounge, sitting down. “As much as I enjoy the Games, I agree. Perhaps, that can be a way for humans to work out their natural savage aggression.”
“What would be the incentive for them? Their reward?” Simeon asked.
“Pride of victory, that is all they really need,” Kijani said. “They are small beings with insignificant g
oals. I am more concerned with how we will keep order once these new commandments go into effect. Primitive, they will always be, and that is why we must expect mutiny. Those who have ruled as Elite or wealthy will not like having it stripped away.”
“You used to look upon the humans with more… compassion when we were in heaven, Kijani. Living in that human body has jaded you, my friend,” Simeon stated.
“Perhaps, but I see their flaws and know they have a choice and always choose their base instinct. I am no longer impressed by them,” Kijani replied.
Eloy nodded. “They are flawed.”
“And yet, we have chosen a base instinct as well. You judge them too harshly, Kijani,” Simeon said.
“Flawed… perfection… neither matters. What Kijani speaks is what is important. We give them utopia, they will rebel as that one says. It is their nature… the selfish and greedy ones,” Odessa pointed out. “We must still rule with iron fists, this one agrees.”
“I do not disagree, and Simeon and I believe we have the solution,” Eloy said.
“Let the humans handle themselves as they always have, before our interference,” Simeon stated. “Let us choose those among them who have proven to be honorable… fair. Let them come up with just laws, police themselves. Let there be one set of laws, one government to serve the people as a whole.”
“That will work, even if there is no monetary gain to be had, humans will revel in the ladder of power. That is also their nature,” Kijani agreed.
“This one sees that as compromise,” Odessa chimed in, pressing her delicate hand to her chest with a slight nod of her head.
Eloy pursed his lips as he thought about the proposition. He then begin to nod, slowly. “We must make sure that they do not become drunk on such power.”
Kijani barked out a laugh. “Hardly something that can be avoided. It is inevitable, Eloy. That is why no matter what time throughout history, they have never had a fully just governing system.”
“Ah, but never before have the gods walked among them… watched over them. We were deities to be believed in… faith. Now, they know we are real, they have felt our wrath. If we are disappointed, they know that we will act. Fear of our retribution is what will be the defining factor from this point on,” Eloy stated.
The four gods remained silent for a while, each thinking about the meaning of what they were discussing. A new world drastically different from what it currently was and had been for over two centuries. And this time… they would have to go along with the change they created.
“Is this what you really want?” Kijani asked Eloy and Simeon.
“It is what I have always wanted,” Simeon said.
“It is what I have come to want—yes,” Eloy replied.
“What pleasure will the humans yield to us after such a monumental change?” Kijani asked.
“We are gods, Kijani… we have never really needed to demand servitude… it was always freely given by countless humans who worshipped us even before they knew who we were,” Eloy pointed out. “Let the humans find their footing… I am sure they will find ways to please you.”
Kijani smirked. “I hope you are right. I would hate to grow bored with this world.”
“This one thought that you already were,” Odessa quipped.
“I take pleasure in some things… mainly what happens between the sheets with Eloy.” Kijani made sure to make eye contact with the god of his desire with that statement.
Eloy cocked an eyebrow. “We shall enjoy each other soon, then.”
“What more is there to discuss?” Kijani asked, throwing his hands up in agitation.
“Odessa’s tits, Kijani, Eloy’s cock is going nowhere,” Simeon jabbed.
“Again with this one’s tits,” Odessa remarked with a roll of her beautiful blue eyes.
Eloy laughed. “Just a bit more so that we are all in accordance,” he said after his giggles faded. “Everyone should be allowed to live in the homes they want with the luxuries they desire. Not everyone will want a mansion, but if they do, they should have one. That way, hopefully the former Elite will have very little to complain about. As for businesses… well… that is where we will meet opposition. No longer shall they hold monopoly. No longer shall they make money… people will have to work for themselves and each other for their own survival. They have done it before, they can do it again.”
“Every human has a purpose, with these changes, they will learn what that is,” Simeon added.
“Fine… fine… is that it?” Kijani asked, waving his hand contemptuously.
Eloy and Simeon looked at each other, hopeful expressions on their faces, and they nodded. “Yes, I believe so, until something we have not thought about comes up,” Simeon said.
“Finally! This one is going to make the most of this future former life before it is gone. This one will take pleasure in cock… and cunt,” Odessa said.
“I seriously doubt you will have to give either up, my dear,” Eloy said. “You are beautiful and might I remind you… a goddess.”
She giggled in her coy fashion. “Charmer, that one. Until we meet again.” She rose from the lounge and the three gods rose in respect and only sat down after she left.
Kijani looked at Eloy. “Shall we?” he asked, nodding towards the exit.
Eloy shook his head. “You are incorrigible, but yes. I shall fuck you senseless.”
Kijani’s smile was both lustful and filled with unbridled anticipation. “I will see you in the car, do not keep me waiting.” With that, he left.
Eloy looked at Simeon. “Well, that was less painful than I had expected. A welcomed response.”
Simeon nodded and took a sip of his wine. “Soon, after things have settled, you can have your lover.”
“Then I will know true happiness.” Eloy rose and walked past Simeon, lightly patting him on the shoulder lovingly before leaving to join Kijani. He did have a role and promise to fulfill if he wanted the life he had been dreaming of. For an immortal being, it was only now that time seemed to set its weight upon him. But Eloy knew patience was ever the virtue.
CHAPTER FIVE
Rama’s hands were shaking as he opened the much anticipated letter he had been expecting from the god, Eloy. He’d been waiting to hear Eloy’s response to his proposal to release Mateo in his care. He unfolded the parchment and quickly read over its contents. The words he read left him in more of a dilemma than he could have ever dreamed of. Not only did the god, Eloy, want to postpone his offer, but he wanted him to refrain from placing Mateo among the gladiators to be selected for the upcoming Games.
This was in direct contradiction to what the god Kijani had requested—no—demanded that he do. Which god should he appease? Was there a way to please them both? He had been sworn to secrecy by both gods, so he could tell nether one about the other’s orders. This was not the response he had been hoping for. Why, if Mateo was so important to the god, Eloy, did he not take him up on his offer? What was this fresh hell they were putting him in?
Rama ran his hand over his face as he stared at the letter, then groaned as he tossed it on his desk. He sat in silence, chin resting on his fist as he contemplated what his options were… did he even have any? It all boiled down to which god he would anger by disobeying them. Rama called for one of his servants and when the young woman entered his office, bowing her head in subservience, he commanded her to fetch his doctore. She nodded, then left to carry out his orders. It wasn’t too long a wait before there was a knock at his door and he beckoned the rugged Cervantes entrance.
“Dominus,” Cervantes greeted with a bow of his head as a show of respect and subservience.
“Have a seat,” Rama said, gesturing to one of the two seats before him on the opposite side of his desk.
Cervantes settled down comfortably in one, which was much nicer than any chair he had in his own bedroom, he thought as he enjoyed the soft cushion. “How may I be of service to you, Dominus?” he asked.
‘What I am
about to discuss with you must never leave this room, do you understand?” Rama asked him.
Cervantes’ brows creased as he frowned. He leaned forward to gain a better view of his Dominus to better gauge his expression. He could tell by the serious look on Rama’s face that what was about to be discussed might be a matter of life and death. “You have my word, Dominus. On my life, I shall not breathe a word you speak to anyone.”
Rama nodded. “Good, because your life will be what I will take if I am exposed.”
“Of course, Dominus,” Cervantes agreed.
“I have been commanded by the god, Kijani, to pit Mateo against Titus in the upcoming Games,” Rama stated.
Cervantes snorted. “Titus will kill Mateo, Dominus.”
“I know… I believe that is what the god, Kijani, hopes will happen. For some reason, he wants Mateo dead and instead of simply outright asking me to slay my slave, he wants to make a spectacle out of it.”
“Mateo is a promising gladiator and a fan favorite. The people love him… this will hurt you financially to lose him, especially with all that you have invested in his training, Dominus,” Cervantes pointed out.
“No one knows that fact more than I, but that is the least of my problems. I have also been commanded by the god, Eloy, to not put Mateo in the Games. To make sure that he remains safe until the god sees fit to claim him. Both have sworn me to secrecy with their letters.”
Cervantes slumped back into the chair, finally understanding the problem his master faced. “What will you do, Dominus?”
“That is why I have asked you to come. I must pit Mateo against Titus, for if I anger the god, Kijani, his wrath will be enormous.”
“The god, Eloy, has been known to have a fierce temper as well, Dominus. Not to mention his affections for Mateo. If Mateo were to fall in the arena… are you willing to risk his anger?” Cervantes asked.
“Mateo will not fall.”
“He is no match for Titus, Dominus. I assure you, he will.”
“As much as I do not want to lose either of these gladiators, Titus holds less value to me than Mateo.”
Deliverance: Book Three Finale (Gods and Slaves Series 3) Page 4