Chapter 21 -- Calm Waters

"Bluefin?" Manta and Silverfish call. "Hey, Bluefin! BLUEFIN!!!" It takes me a minute to realize they are calling my "old" name.

"Coventina." I speak, turning towards them, my hood falling back to expose the smooth features of my new face. The radiant glow my body has acquired spills over their astonished faces, nearly rivaling the light of Urak’s moon.

As realization dawns on them, they each take to a knee and bow their heads in respect. "My lady! We are yours!" They whisper in near unison.

With a patient smile I speak, "Our lady, goddess of the water has chosen me to act as her vessel on Urak but that does not mean that you cannot remain my friends and peers. Rise. Rise!" I gently urge. "I will need your support and honest council over the coming months. Your support as friends I can trust for honesty means more to me than a bow of fealty!"

"Yes, Blu... er... Coventina.’ Manta blushes as she corrects herself. "I will do my best to uphold your trust!"

Silverfish shook her head in mirth, laughing at her Manta’s seriousness. "Well, I certainly am glad you haven’t let this get to your head! One up-tight champion is more than enough for our army!" Sticking her tongue out the corner of her mouth at Manta as she slipped away, her voice trailing behind her "I’ll go spread the word...." As Manta’s blush of awe turned to a blush of anger, I laid a reassuring hand on her arm, "She is just trying to get a rise out of you, smile and let’s move on." "As you say," A forced smile crossed her face as she turned on her armored heels to follow me from the reflecting pond. By the time I reached SeaView’s central crossroads, a small crowd had gathered to witness my arrival and in hopes of catching a private moment alone with me to ask for a small healing or other minor cures. I try to accomodate them all, but my powers and time are both limited. "My friends!" I Raise my voice, infusing it with a touch of the power of my Lady, to help it carry across the square "In good time I will meet with each of you, for now, please rest a minute and hear what I have to say!" Turning my head, I see Manta and Silverfish to my side, looking for potential troublemakers in the crowd. I nod at them for their efforts and smile reassuringly. "As many of you know, Golgoth has returned to Urak, elevating Balkoth to lead his unholy armies." As I speak, I begin to draw in a bit of Coventina’s power, readying a small cantrip. "Across Urak, other gods and generals have returned and taken positions of leadership." I use the gathered energy to create a small mist of water that splits the moonlight into a "moonbow".... the night-time equivalent to a rainbow. By bending the mist of water, I can alter the reflection of colors to show a picture. With a subconscious thought, I send my mind reeling across the waters of Urak, searching for scenes that relate to my speech. Following a light rainfall as it lands on the high peaks mountains of Air. "Other faiths, Air, Life and Order have already taken the fight to Balkoth." As I speak, the picture alters from the view of the snow-covered peaks of Air to the lush meadows of Life and the graceful trees that stand, a testament to the power of Life. Dissolving yet again into a picture of the well-laid stone roads and homes found in the realm of Order. A cheer erupts from the gathered crowd. The moonbow dissolves into a picture of rocky mountains, zooming in on a wooden keep. "Chayt-Domazh, home of the wild men and beasts of Chaos." I continue, raising my voice over the crowd. "Earth!" I speak as green grasses and rich dirt fill the view, interspersed with giant mushroom homes. "And do not forget Fire!" The mist coalesces into a visage of the Temple of Penultimate Flame. The crowd grows fearful at the sight of our natural enemy. I try to calm and reason with them. "Many of you loathe Fire, as one can only expect. Yet I implore you all to remain true to the words of our Lady: ‘There is a place for each faith, in time, you will all come to know this.’" An uneasy murmur and guilty looks swept through the crowd as each recalled their childhood learnings about tolerance, calm and respect for ALL of Urak. Many elders even remember the days of the Man-Merfolk wars, in the time before Coventina’s wisdom and peace became the central focus of the water worshippers. "The forces of Fire and Water have never been friendly, yet we shall never be accused of initiating hostile relations with any faith, other than with the unnatural forces summoned to Urak by Gollgoth and his minions." "let us use this opportunity to reclaim the waters of Tranquility, our temple to Coventina." I continued. "Many of you cannot fight, or are opposed to bloodshed. I cannot fault you for following the teaching of Coventina, yet we will need you in the coming days. I ask you to support our soldiers with healing, food and uplifting songs. Those of you, Human or Merfolk, who are willing to take up arms, join us in our fight to maintain our way of life!" "Retire to your homes for the evening and reflect upon my words and those of our Lady. In a week, we ride to Temple of Tranquility!" Stepping down from the rise I stood upon, I let the mists dissipate and turned to look at Manta and Silverfish. Both were smiling and nodding confidently. "It can be done!" I thought to myself. "It MUST be done!" ............................ By week’s end, hundreds of humans and Merfolk had come to join the growing army. The small band that had liberated SeaView had grown to nearly a thousand followers. It was time to retake the Temple of Tranquility form the clutches of Balkoth’s followers who inhabited it, polluting the once pristine waters with their waste and presence. I calmed myself, drew in a touch of Coventina’s power and mentally called to Manta and Silverfish. "Join me by the barracks." I requested. Within minutes, Silverfish arrived. Emerging from the shadows behind me, she tiptoed behind me and poked me at the back as she shouted "Boo!" Expecting me to jump, she moved back a step, only to be disappointed by my lack of response. "Ah, I guess being the incarnation of a goddess makes it hard to be snuck up on, eh?" She asked jovially. I smiled as I responded, "It does have certain advantages!" One advantage, however, was not the gift of stoicism. My jaws nearly hit the floor as Manta arrived, resplendant in her new battle armor. Having discarded the torn fish-scale armor of the battle to reclaim SeaView, she had met with the finest armorers in our lands for a new suit. Unlike the battered suit she had discarded, her new armor was awe-inspiring! The leg and arm greaves were constructed from the shell of a large lobster. It’s carapice acting as flexible armor, reinforced with metal edging. The leg greaves emerged from an armored skirt composed of overlapping strips of huge tortoise shell, polished severely to reflect a dazzling prism of colors. Her breastplate was a supple leather-like material, derived from boiled whale-skin with plates of hardened shells covering her vital organs. The whale-skin was known to be tougher than leather, yet twice as flexible, giving her great mobility. Her helm, designed from sterling silver, was carved to resemble her namesake, a Manta Ray. With its "wings" in the down position, it formed a skull cap, covering nearly her entire head and offering excellent protection to her scalp, skull and cheeks. "You called?" Manta inquired. Mentally stirring myself from staring at her armor, I nodded and mentioned for her to join Silverfish and myself by a map of the lands of water. "After we liberate the temple from Balkoth’s minions, where would you advise we move?" I asked. "It would not be wise to plan so far ahead, Coventina. We must first take the temple, then worry about our next step. If we fail to reclaim the temple, what good will our future plan be?" Manta replied. "Ah, you have a good point, but I am confident of our victory. Just yesterday I asked a seagull to fly over the temple, using my powers, I saw what the gull saw and I can tell you that the forces of evil are not nearly as strong as we had feared." Manta still looked worried. "I do not doubt your powers, yet our army is inexperienced. If Balkoth’s forces are better trained, they can compensate for our greater numbers quite easily!" Silverfish came to stand beside me. "I too crept near the temple this past evening, and saw the dark ones fighting among themselves, half-drunk and ill-disciplined. Their leader, a dark thief was not even attempting to control their raucus behavior. I also feel that our victory is all but assured." Nodding in assention, Manta spoke "then I shall accept your decision, Coventina and suggest our next steps. We should use your ability to influence the seagulls and send a few out to scout our neighbors and open talks with as many as possible. Our isolation in this peninsula leaves us lacking vital knowledge of our neighbors actions. While the birds scout, we should reclaim the remaining villages and train the army. After we retake the temple, I will have our best champions aid me in training the troops." I nodded in acceptance. "That would be wise. Experience conferred in the classroom is much less hazardous that that gained in battle!" "Silverfish," Manta spoke as she turned to her, "you will be responsible for collection and sorting the information we receive. I ask also that you take the responsibility of training the sling-throwers, for you are much more adept at the ranged-attacks than either Coventina or myself." "Gladly!" Silverfish laughed. "And I will also use my contacts among the Merfolk to ask them for their aid!" Speaking softly, I said "Manta, please assume leadership for the temple reclamation. I feel it is time for me to retreat to the towers of Halcyon for meditation and study. I must regain the knowledge lost to time, for the gift Coventina has granted me, is much greater than simply speaking with seagulls and creating pictures in a mist. We will need more in the coming months!" With that, we retired for the evening. In the passing week manta sent the new recruits through an intense training period and set off for the Temple of Tranquility. As I expected (hoped) the battle was a great success for our army! The forces of Balkoth never stood a chance. Our army was invigorated by the proximity to the pools of Tranquility, where Coventina first came to us many centuries ago. In all, only a few Merfolk were killed, most others only suffered light wounds. With greatest respect, we returned to bodies of the Merfolk who died aiding us to the seas, where their spirits will rest in peace, guiding lost sailors, at least so the legends tell. Silverfish deilghted in her responsibilities and trained many slingers, all the while amassing hordes of information about the other faith of Urak. From her, I have learned that all but the forces of Earth have begun consolidating their lands and relations. Our neighbors of Life, have chosen one called Gilgamesh to act as their leader. His skill at combat is matched only by his skill at negotiations and kind disposition. I look forward to conversations with him. Silverfish tells me that even if he does not yet realize it, Gilgamesh and Lord Sean/Lady Krystin of Order were only a few hairsbreadth away from an alliance. ‘That would be interesting." I mused at her report. I also learned that Old Windy was back, "A good tiding" I thought as I reflected on the great part he played in Golgoth’s last defeat. An alliance of those three forces would be powerful indeed! Great magics, well-disciplined troops and flying thieves! Unfortunately, the powers vested in me by Coventina show me all possible futures, including those where the alliance breaks down into petty bickering. The gulls also crossed the rugged mountains of chance, home to Chaos. "Ah, Orkus too has returned." A smile crossing my lips as thoughts of the well-muscled riders flashed in my mind. "SHAME ON YOU!" A voice in side my head uttered as I blushed. Of course, I also remember their unpredictable ways and how the great alliance of centuries past was first broken by the actions of a small band of Chaos beserkers. After one night of much revelry, they decided it would be funny to tie up the army witch. Unfortunately for them and half of the combined armies, the witch was awakened and had time to get off one spell. Let me assure you that being turned into a goblin is no fun whatsoever, even if temporary!! And of fire, we hear that a great Daeme has managed to unite the factions and begin to spread across the land. The sight of a burned village fills me with anger, only to be calmed by the influence of Coventina. SOMEDAY FIRE MAY STAND BESIDE YOU. UNITL THEN, USE YOUR COMPASSION TO HELP THOSE HURT BY THE RAVAGES OF FIRE. UNDUE AGGRAVATION AND ANGER IS NOT OUR WAY! Having gone so long without the voice of Coventina inside my head, I had almost forgotten how impelling her words can be. "Yes, my Lady!" While I am her vessel on Urak, I am still her servant. My natural instincts must be put aside for the greater good of Urak. After the reclamation of Tranquility and between Silverfish’s reports, I manage to pore through countless tomes of information sealed away for centuries. With Coventina’s aid, I am able to decipher many of them and have arranged them according to purpose. Defense, Aggression, General and Other. By recruiting others to help me in my translation, I am well on my way to regaining much of the lost knowledge. YOU HAVE DONE WELL, MY DAUGHTER! I smile when the voice fills my head as I read on............


Chapter 22 -- Forming an Alliance

"...How can this be?? We are falling behind in the race." Gilgamesh glanced at Balathustri, his mage-advisor. He had just learned of a possible alliance between Fire and Chaos. Could this really be happening? "My Lord, as of now it seems that only one village has sworn to Fire. It could be but a random occurence." The half-hearted reply seemed even more strained to the tense ears of the Elvish Lord. "There is also news of an alliance of Order with Earth. This could be good, sire." Yes...good if true. There had been too much deception lately, with so many Death followers sneaking among the ranks. He would have to take this information on faith. "What of our ambassadorial party that Qar'Sela was leading to Reisz?" "Last we heard, all was going well. They were near the Air-Order border. If they keep up their pace, they should reach the capitol in the next few days." Gilgamesh nodded. Perhaps one good thing would happen. There was a knock at the door. Gilgamesh looked over at it. These knocks had been bringing bad news lately. "Enter!" As a little creature hopped into the room, Gilgamesh thought to himself, "Great, another brownie..." "...Elves of Bur-Jin! Heed my call! A most greivous offense has been issued by the Great Daeme of Fire. The village which housed me for nearly half of my life on our southern border was ravaged and burned just days before. While this is a great insult to myself and my House, I wish for a meeting with this "Lady" of Fire to test her mettle as it is. Let all those who are spies for the Flaming One send my message onward! If my request is not answered in a fortnight, an order of War will be sent to all corners of my domain against the worshippers of this forsaken faith." All over the city of Bur-Jin, the cry of Gilgamesh was heard. Citizens stared at the seemingly larger-than-life elf atop his majestic lizard-steed. Gilgamesh stepped down from the odeum, which had worked well to empower his voice. As soon as he was beyond the sight of his followers, he seemed to lose nearly a foot of height as he leaned on his staff. That presentation had taken so much out of him. "My Lord, I hope you didn't mind my liberal use of Appearance-Enhance. I just finished researching it last night, and I needed to try it out. It seemed like a good time." Gilgamesh smiled weakly at his mage. "Never mind it, Balathustri. It was a moot point." Gilgamesh sighed. "Please let me retire to my quarters, my trusted advisor. I need more rest than I could get in a month." "Of course, sire. Do not let me delay you any longer." Balathustri bowed and ducked around a corner. Gilgamesh galloped to his Stronghold for as much sleep as he could get. ..... "All halt!" Vragen relayed the command to his troops, while Theli and Resam did the same. Qar'Sela glanced up and down the rows of elves. So far he had been extremely happy with this first command. It had been a quiet trip until now, and everyone seemed to accept his authority without question. The reason for the stop lay up ahead. Over the hill there could be seen a small group of humans. Just a small squad of archers, with a couple footmen and knights. They were led by another rider, from what could be seen. It would hardly be a challenge for the vastly superior Life force, but there was no use starting a fight when it wasn't needed. "Theli, send a few riders down to meet them." Theli nodded, pointed to a few of his men, and led them in a brisk trot down the slope. Qar'Sela ordered the rest of the troops back down the other side. He stayed near the summit to watch the preceedings. In just a few minutes, one of the elven riders came galloping back up the hill. "My commander, they are followers of Order! They bring word of an alliance. Their leader, Burke, wishes to speak with you." The young warrior's face brightened. Just the news his Lord Gilgamesh had been waiting for! "Wait for me here, men. I will be back shortly." ..... "I am Qar'Sela, commander of this expedition. I represent Lord Gilgamesh, Giver of Life. You speak for the Lord Reisz of Order?" "Yes, Qar'Sela. I am Burke, head of this small scouting party. My words are those of my Lord." "What news have you of an alliance between our faiths?" Qar'Sela peered at the human. "Reisz would like nothing more than to ally himself with the vast strength of Life. He has the full backing of all Order worshippers, you can be sure." Qar'Sela and Burke spoke for a short while longer, though it was nothing more than small talk and minor details. If all went as planned, it seemed as though the faiths of Life would be joined with that of Order. As strong an alliance as could be hoped at this point.

On to Part 7