A Gluttony Of Faith

by Steven Lindsay

  “Bahamut this is Simurgh, she was transformed into the Ziz in a similar manner to you being transformed into the Behemoth. I think she has things she would like to discuss with you.”

  Then I shall endeavour to answer her questions as best I can.

  I thank you for your time Bahamut, but I could think of no others who are in a similar situation as I.

  Sariel faded away in the background, this was not a conversation she felt she should listen in on. She had already seen their memories and had no desire to relive their past pains. This was something personal for both of them.

  “Are you sure you feel up to this?”

  Lilith smiled at Brigid’s concern, she reminded her a great deal of her daughter. Both of them were so genuine in their concern for others. It was such an alien thing for Divine. It was funny glancing between a pair of emerald eyes and a pair of violet equally concerned as the other. “Yes, I will be fine. Sariel has dosed me up to my eyeballs on her blood, I can use much of my magic again. Admittedly not all of it but I will not be alone. Sariel and Samael will undoubtedly visit me, and you have already said that I will have either Prince Cathair, James or Zelaris to assist me.”

  “This will be no picnic. Your son is spearheading the assault on India and the Angels have already tried to kill you once.”

  “A feat at which they failed dramatically. If anything it will work in my favour, they will be scared of my survival. I realise that I am stepping into a war zone, and there will be many battles to ensure our success but I need to get back up to the Surface, I miss the sun, and I need a challenge. This will give me plenty of reason to use vast amounts of magic which is what is required to help continue my healing.” She grabbed Brigid’s hands “honestly Brigid I will be fine.”

  “Well if you are sure, let us begin. Sariel, you coming with us?”

  She smiled “of course” she grabbed onto Brigid’s shoulder.

  The Underworld faded around them and was instead replaced with the bright and hot Indian day. All around them was the many pillars of Brigid’s Grand Temple in Varanasi. Kneeling among the columns were many mortals of many races. Standing before them was Ryan, a dark green female Naga, a middle-aged Human man and a few other representatives of their species.

  They quickly fell to their knees “Great Goddess.”

  “I have returned as promised. You have spoken up about your desire and need for my help, and you have seen the price of pride.” She glanced at the altar which still held Anjali’s body. “One of your own was chosen to be your voice, but that voice ignored your wishes. Now I bring one of my own to ensure your protection and our victory. But as with all things it comes with a price.”

  “What price would that be?”

  Brigid studied the unknown man, Ryan told her that he was the Indian Prime Minister Ajit Gandhi “Are you really in a position to consider your options? India will become the Royal Province of British India along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Burma. Your options are to concede or attempt a futile display of pride. And we all know how that fares.” She looked pointedly at Anjali. Being Divine Governor and leader of the Naga had not saved her from the populace’s fear and wants.

  “So we trade one conqueror for another.”

  “Essentially yes, however, consider this, Pakistan will slaughter all non-Muslims, the British shall not. As long as you abide by the Imperial Decrees, you will be granted a great amount of self-governance, though of course that really becomes Lilith’s concern.”

  At the mention of her name all the Lilin snapped to attention, she was the highest of Sacred Mothers, to be in her presence was an honour beyond words.

  Lilith to her merit didn’t even blink an eye as her Divine pheromones started to thicken the air. She reached out to Ajit’s face and tilted it up “India will stand tall. Would you rather be annexed to a small, soon to be destroyed empire or be an integral part of the biggest empire in the world? Britain will grant India many freedoms and believe me I will make sure India shines in the empire.” Her powers had wrapped around him gently, she wanted his willing consent.

  Sariel snapped her fingers, and a small table appeared between them, gently unfurling on it was the Covenant of the Empire. Lilith handed him the ornate quill, which slowly he signed out. She then added her own signature to the document. It flashed gold before disappearing. Brigid smiled as she and Lilith raised their hands together. Green and red magic swirled around before shooting out in all directions.

  Run son, for I am near. Her silent link was sent out with the claiming magic. If he were anywhere within India, he would hear her words. “Now let us review the state of affairs, I fear India is a little worse for wear.

  Run son, for I am near. Michael crushed the goblet in his hand. So Lilith had survived Amsterdam, damned if he knew how. The place was a worse war zone than Washington D.C. At least it just had radioactive fallout which the Divine were immune to, Amsterdam still had vast amounts of Chaos swirling around. Mortals and Divine were at risk of death in its ruins.

  Now she was taunting him. Was she actually planning on being near or was she just trying to bait him? Knowing her, he had no idea. His father he had always understood relatively well, they were both warriors even if they saw the world through very different lenses. But his mother he had very little in common with, she was a powerful Angel, who had Fallen into many Demonic forms. She had been friends with Gabriel’s mother Israfel and had worked with Gabriel and Israfel on many of their projects. If anything his wife probably knew his mother better than he did.

  She was no warrior, but she was cunning and conniving. She was powerful and knew how to play people to get what she wanted. She was an absolute slut but then so was his father. She had fallen in bed with so many Gods which was probably why she had risen so high in Heaven’s ranks. But she was fiercely independent and didn’t take well with authority, evident by the fact she walked away from Eden and being an Arch Angel.

  He looked out over New Delhi, what did her message mean? A taunt? A warning? He still didn’t know, he guessed time would tell him. Or Nuriel may fill in crucial blanks.

  “How was the Underworld?” Ariadne asked as she walked between the rows of incubators. She looked with morbid fascination at the terminally ill Humans within. Agrat had progressed her work quite significantly.

  “Eventful. Tiamat and Nyx started a fight, I learned that Lilith has another sister in the form of Ereshkigal, that Naamah is either crazy or exceedingly bitter, and that Lucifer has power over all the Greater Demons.”

  “What? Even over you and Asmodeus?”

  “Apparently so. A fact that none of us were happy to discover. It would seem that Hell’s Curse has very deep claws.”

  “Well, Gabriel was always a masterful spell caster.”

  “Oh, that she always was. So, tell me about Washington D.C.”

  Ariadne sighed before telling her the whole story. They had been collaborating a great deal with Human technology as a means to help turn the tide of battle.

  “Hmm, well, it certainly does have tactical advantages. We can always threaten the Angels with it.” She paused and stared at Ariadne “Do you think Human missiles could reach Heaven?”

  “I honestly have no idea, but it is worth asking Hera, she is after all the Queen of Heaven. If anyone knows, it’s her.”

  Silence fell as they both turned inwards. A nuke could quite possibly destroy Heaven. While it was unlikely to destroy Gaia or the other Primordials’ defensive spells it could certainly wipe out much of the Citadel. Strange that non-magical Humans could have produced the most destructive superweapon to be used in the War of Heaven. People without magic had a means to kill those with it.

  “How are your experiments faring?”

  Agrat smiled “oh, they are doing very well. The vaccines are already being mass produced and are being distributed through the upper classes and army. The lower classes will get theirs in time.”

  “Do you know when you are planning on releas
ing some of them?”

  “Not yet, I’m still trying to create more virulent strains, but I think that Polio will be the first.” She stroked the glass container. Inside was a little girl, whose legs were not only paralysed but had also turned necrotic.

  “That’s not traditional Polio” she was well-versed in nearly all mortal plagues, for she had lived through most of them.

  Agrat smiled savagely “no, it isn’t. It is a special concoction of mine. Polio with some recombinant DNA and characteristics from other diseases. Did you know that Humans have whole laboratories filled with strains just like this to potentially use again each other?”

  “I did. I have long seen their use and development. Some of them are truly horrific, especially Ebola. They have done wonders in ridding themselves of many diseases and yet they hold them to use again.”

  “Fascinating creatures, I do not understand them at all. Oh their physical make up I know very well, and I have targeted my diseases well but their minds? I do not grasp at all.”

  “I don’t think many mortals honestly understand each other. They are after all animals bound by their animalistic instincts to fight and defend prime territory. Sure they have the veneer of civilisation, but they are still animals. And the harrowing fact is we have learned to mimic their behaviour until it is natural to us.”

  “The difference is our bodies are strong while theirs are weak.” She grasped her hand, and the little girl’s eyes flew open as a whole stream of blood poured out of her mouth. Her two legs seemed to collapse in a slow spray of blood and bone. “Ah, Abaddon always did know how to destroy. I think our first attack should be a double hit. You suggested Ebola, let’s make it weapons grade Ebola and Necrotic Polio.”

  She laughed “you are a cruel woman Agrat.”

  “Aren’t all the Divine? Come let us begin” she summoned several vials into her hands. They looked so innocent in her beautiful hands. None would realise just how many lives would be lost because of the contents of those few vials.

  Chapter 37

  Victoria squealed in delight as Cathair walked into their apartments. He swept her up into his arms, kissing her as he spun her around. A huge smile lit up his face as he looked at his love, then his face gained a delighted awe as he looked down to her swollen belly.

  “You’ve gotten so big.”

  “That’s just rude” she playfully pushed him “well it has been months. I’m twenty next month, and I’m due the month after that.”

  “Do you know what it is?”

  She smiled “We are having a girl Cathair” at least she hoped that would delight him. The Fae seemed to place a higher preference for females than the typically patriarchal Humans.

  “A little girl?’ He whispered as he kissed the mound. He started to sing, it was beautiful, haunting and yet joyful. Having heard many Fae songs, she no longer felt the chill run down her that she once did. They were a strange race always pairing joy with sorrow. “Have you decided on any names yet?”

  “I was thinking Elizabeth. Britain has always been strong under Victorias and Elizabeths. Our daughter will be heir to the biggest and most magically and technologically advanced empire in the world. I felt a strong British legacy would be good for her.”

  “The world will hold its breath for you, Elizabeth.”

  “So is the war in Indonesia over?”

  “No, it is not, however, greater priorities have arisen. The India people sacrificed their Divine Governor in order to get Brigid’s attention.”

  “They murdered Anjali?”

  “They sacrificed her to end the agreement she had made without their consent. They are desperate Victoria, and desperate people do desperate things. And honestly, she only has herself to blame. She had a huge chip on her shoulder about Brigid, she was never going to work cohesively with Brigid or the rest of us.”

  “Who is taking over as Divine Governor?”

  “Lilith is. Sariel will be attending to her mother a lot to help eradicate her Chaos poisoning.”

  “Is that wise having both Lilith and Samael, along with Naamah in positions of power within the empire?”

  “They are well placed out across the globe. Besides despite their issues Lilith and Samael love each other. Sure they have a volatile relationship, but they always go back to each other, they are always drawn to each other. Lilith is a very capable administrator, she will consolidate India while either myself, James or Zelaris oversee the fighting. She is also looking for reasons to use vast amounts of magic. I certainly don’t want to be Pakistan at the moment.”

  “So you’re leaving again?”

  “In a few days, yes, but Brigid has given us all leave for your birthday celebrations, so I will see you soon. How are your celebrations coming along?”

  “They’re huge. Two days ago marked one year from my coronation. There were parties all across the British Isles. The Fae and Atlanteans flooded into the larger cities to celebrate with Humans. It was all over the news, there were streamers and balloons everywhere. Sorcha was in her element, the whole country was in riot and bloom. As for my own birthday, once again your mother has taken charge of it. I have little idea of what is happening, but I see her with many people, making all sorts of plans. She’s also taken charge of celebrations for once I give birth.”

  “Is that a good thing or bad thing?” for the Fae it was a huge honour, but Humans and Fae did not always see eye to eye.

  “It’s great. Your mother is like the mother I don’t remember. She visits me all the time to help alleviate my morning sickness which thankfully is almost non-existent. As happy as I am for the celebrations I do have much more on my plate. Between the ongoing wars and the changing political climate of the world, I’m snowed under. There is a lot going on in the world, much of it to our favour. The Dragon Empire’s civil war has meant they are for once in great need of produce, and we have plenty. We are making overtures to the Heradmantium Empire and Lilith is doing the same with Great Babylon. I’m approving Atlantean civil constructions throughout the empire, dealing with the ongoing integration of Fae and Humans, attending all important Fae celebrations and overseeing my own government. Thankfully I am surrounded by competent people and the British People are unwilling to change Prime Ministers currently.”

  “Mother is very fond of you, I am glad to see you two are getting along.”

  “We see a great deal of ourselves each other. Plus she is delighted to have a grandchild on the way. She keeps chasing Aisling to do the same thing whenever she is around.”

  He chuckled “oh I bet she loves that.”

  “No, she’s taken to hiding anywhere and everywhere.”

  “I wonder why she is so insistent that Aisling gets pregnant, she’s even shunned the traditional consort role. It is most peculiar.”

  “The whole world is peculiar at the moment.”

  “I know one thing that isn't.”

  “Oh?”

  “You, my amazing wife” he swept her up into his arms again as music began to play.

  “How secure is your hold over Thailand?”

  “Very secure, we have completed all your demands, and conscription has already begun. Why?” Naamah was not sure why Brigid or the Atlantean Supreme Commander was there. Were they planning on replacing her?

  “Because in the morning, you go to war.”

  That startled her “With who?”

  “Burma. It is time it returned to the Imperial fold, and Thailand is the best place to attack them.”

  “But aren’t we spread too thin as it is? We have wars raging all across Africa and the Pacific Islands, we have an ongoing battle for Indonesia, and we have just agreed to come to India’s defence.”

  “All part of the plan. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be annexed while we clear up Indonesia and that nicely starts our annexation of India. India has a great many things going on at the moment. Our greatest issue is the Prophet Azad Ali and the Arch Angel Michael. Lilith, Sariel, and James will be dealing with
Varanasi’s expansion and the conquest of the Indian mainland. However, it is not just Pakistan that is attacking India. In the east is Bangladesh following the orders of the Prophet and Arch Angel.

  Your task is to sweep up through Burma, completely annex it and surprise the Bangladeshi forces when you appear at their backs as their focus turns westwards.”

  “And you think that will actually work?”

  “Of course, because what the Angels are not prepared for is Atlantean forces joining the battle. India will be the turning point where our technology comes into play. It is also where you can use your powers to greatest effect. We have no need to preserve the toxic wastelands or noxious jungles that are all that remain of South East Asia. We will sweep across as a mighty force while the Angels turn their attention to Varanasi and Lilith. She is the distraction, the bait which hopefully Michael will seize onto. His animosity towards his mother is well known.”

  “Lilith is willingly being bait?” she would never understand her eldest sister.

  “She is. Her escape of Amsterdam is going to have pissed off Heaven, and their ire will focus entirely on her, leaving you and Zelaris a free pass to sweep up in from behind.”

  “Then we shall make use of the time we have been given.”

  “Excellent. Zelaris will take you through all the military plans that have been drawn up. You will assist and also oversee the administration of your province.”

  “It will be done as you say.”

  “Nuriel, what do you have to report to the Council?”

  “A great many things, my Arch Angels. It would seem after their brief disappearance many of the Greater Demons have reappeared. Asmodeus is once again leading the armies that are pouring out of Belize and Guatemala into El Salvador and Honduras. All attempts to stem his forces have failed.