>>6194611You shouldn’t take any more liberties of your own. That you’d somehow made it this far with these people was a testament either to your luck or to the Goddess truly looking out for you.
>“Eman. I must go now and consult with the Goddess for guidance regarding our next move. I want you to stay here and hold things down. Remember, you are not to make contact with Marek and his group before the date of the attack in question. We will not attack Hima, but nevertheless, I want you to remain here and prepare for battle. Once I have consulted with Her, I shall return to you and inform you of our next course of action.”“Consulting with the Goddess directly.” Eman takes a deep breath of reverence. “Remarkable. Very well, Champion. I shall ensure that your warriors are battle ready for your return.”
Champion? Is that what they’d be calling you? You had to admit, you kind of liked it.
Leaving the Cultist hideout is more difficult than you might have imagined. Your path is blocked by hordes of men, women and children, each hoping to get a view of their new messiah. You spare some courtesy gestures towards them. A friendly wave and a smile here and there. These people would soon be dying for you, so it was the least you could do. In truth, while this might have been a sudden and drastic change, you didn’t intend to use them as mere pawns. In this strange and foreign land, you’d found a community of individuals who worshipped the Goddess. And while they may have been led astray by what seemed like a string of false prophets (yourself arguably included), they deserved to be steered on the right path.
After finally managing to break through, you leave through the entrance you came from and return to the top of the cliff. There, you find your companions waiting for you.
“Where in the hell have you been?” Alvin asks you, a mix of concern and confusion evident in his voice.
You and the others begin walking back towards the direction of Hima. As you travel, you explain to them your experiences with the Cult of the Serpent. You tell them of the strange Crest you saw, how you’d battled Penelope, and how they’d now begun to defer to your leadership, having branded you as the “Champion of the Goddess.” You do not mention the supposed existence of Marek’s key into Tartarus, as that seems like something you’d want to speak to Alvin about in private. For the most part, your companions have a difficult time comprehending what you tell them.
“This is…quite the story to swallow.” Nadia winces.
“You say these cultists worship the Goddess?” Cassius asks. “Such a thing is unheard of. The assumption throughout every circle of Morfis was that it was Leviathan that they prayed to. That they’ve been worshipping the Goddess this entire time is a great revelation you’ve discovered.”
