Maeori finally stood up after being lost in thought again, ready to leave. We traversed the halls outside of the main cathedrals rooms into the courtyard. I could feel some eyes glancing in our direction. We entered the building which Corlyn’s sect used for their duties. I led her up the stairs to the third floor, down the hall and to Fionn’s office.

  As I went to knock Maeori stopped me.

  “I should’ve asked this sooner, but for my awareness what is your mentor's position?”

  “S-she’s a Junior Pastor,” I answered.

  “Hmm, that should be fine then. Go ahead.”

  I have a light knock. “Come in,” Fionn responded and we entered her office. “Welcome back, Sofia. I see you brought company, may I ask who’s this?” Fionn sat at her desk at the end of the room. In front of it were two sofas, a tea table in the middle, and two chairs at the end closest to the door. In all it was rather comfortable. There’d been plenty of times when I slept on those sofas when I was younger after rather harsh days. She wore a rather tired smile on her face. It wasn’t unusual but it seemed to be getting worse in recent months.

  “Oh, this is Maeori.”

  “Hello, Fionn was it? It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” Fionn said. She gestured for us to sit down in the greeting area of her office. She moved to sit across the tea table. She took a moment looking at Maeori before turning back to me. “Though that doesn’t really answer who she is.”

  I glanced over at Maeori feeling uneasy. I didn’t think telling Fionn about the god calling out to me or our meeting would violate the promise I made. I won’t accidentally break my promise. I nudged Maeori to take the lead.

  “Well it’s not exactly a long story. Sofia rescued me in the woods when I was being attacked by some wolves. A god told her where to find me. After arriving here I was blessed with a revelation. To that end I’m looking for assistance,” Maeori said, with a calm voice though her eyes were locked onto Fionn as she spoke.

  Fionn gave us a stunned look I hadn’t seen on her before. I don’t blame her. It also made me uneasy how Maeori could say such things with such irreverence. Fionn looked to me for confirmation and I gave a nod.

  “I see, I’m sorry, give me one second then could you repeat that.” Fionn began the chants to cast a spell. “[Compel Truth]. I need to verify what you told me. The spell I cast should prevent you from speaking falsehoods, do you understand?”

  “Ah this is always fun,” Maeori said with a smirk unbefitting an interrogation of any kind. “But don’t worry, I don’t hold it against you. If anything I understand how preposterous my claims are.” Do you, I wonder. “If this helps serve as verification then so be it. Anyhow, like I said before Sofia was apparently told by a god where to come save me when I was being attacked by wolves. I received something of a divine revelation when I entered the cathedral.”

  Fionn raised an eyebrow, before looking to me. “Take note Sofia, we’re in the presence of someone who’s keen on skirting around the truth even through this spell.” I wasn’t sure what she heard that I didn’t. She turned back to Maeori. “You guard your words well now you’re compelled to the truth. Pray tell, why is this the case?”

  “And take note Sofia,” Maeori said, though keeping eye contact with Fionn. “That the comment directed to you was actually meant for me.” She smirked a bit at Fionn. “I’m glad we’re both aware of the language we’re speaking in. Though I do want to assuage your fears that I’m acting with malicious intent. For Sofia’s part I haven’t a way to confirm that a god truly spoke to her so you’d need to ask her-”

  “Y-yes, a god spoke to me. It wasn’t Lady Corlyn though,” I interrupted, feeling like I should say something so I wouldn’t be left behind.

  “Well there you have it. One piece of the puzzle solved. For my part, the way I can best describe it is that, well, a moment after entering the cathedral divine knowledge took form in my mind.” Maeori paused for a moment. “To that end I was also given a quest, from what I believe to be a god. I doubt I’m as faithful or pious as yourself or Sofia. In truth, as this only just happened, and I’m still piecing together everything. However, on reflection, I don’t know what else you’d call that besides a revelation. Though for definitives I can provide, Sofia saved my life and I don’t mean her or you any ill-will.”

  “I see. Sofia, do you know which god spoke to you if it wasn’t Lady Corlyn?”

  “N-no, I don’t, it was a short communion and it startled me, but it was clearly a man’s voice. I’m sorry.”

  “Please, don’t be. You have nothing to apologize for, I’m just trying to figure out what’s happening.” Fionn turned to face Maeori. “What’s your intent in coming to me with this? Did Sofia suggest it?”

  “Well it’s more for two reasons. First I don’t believe this should be made widely known. Thanks to the knowledge I received I’m aware there are some, less than savory actors within the church. I’d prefer them not to catch wind of this.” Maeori paused for a second to let her words sink in. I wasn’t entirely sure what she was referencing, though I had some ideas. “Second, it’s a quest that I have time to prepare for. I’m not in a condition right now to be able to travel safely. Nor do I wish to be at the mercy of bodyguards. I have around a year to prepare and I’d like to take the time to learn wizardry.”

  “You're aware it takes most people at least a decade, if not longer, to become a full fledged mage.” Fionn gave a quizzical look. “Are you sure that’s something you can do? You already talk like a pretentious prick of a wizard, but learning magic isn’t easy.”

  “I mean I don’t doubt that learning magic is non-trivial. It’s less about if I ‘can’ do it and more that I need to. In the long run it will help me achieve the goal set out for me in the revelation. Plus, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ve always had a knack for picking up information quickly,” Maeori said with a cocky grin.

  “I don’t know how you plan on doing all that. The only way I can imagine you enrolling in our mage division or being relieved of the mandated service after graduation would risk ‘the wrong people’ gaining knowledge of your quest. On that topic I’d like to know who or what part of the church you’re accusing with that statement. Also, while the Compel Truth spell is still active I’d like to know exactly what this quest is.”

  “Of course there are some things prudent, by divine mandate, for me to keep to myself. Though to answer what I can. For learning magic, all I should need is a position working in the archives. Or some other position where I can be around and access the church’s library. I’ll self study and hopefully that’ll be sufficient enough. For the quest, well, it’s a bit blurry what happens beyond this, but I have two years to get to the site of Emyzer’s ascension. I assume I’ll gain a better understanding of next steps by the time I’m there, though we shall see.”

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  My eyes went wide, if the gods truly chose me to go on this mission it would be a tremendous responsibility and honor. To have the privilege of seeing where one of them ascended to godhood. It’s said each location has a unique effect on the world. The only other god to ascend on this continent was Lady Corlyn where the Xaturian Empire’s capital city is. She left in her wake a giant anti-magic dome that naturally keeps all manner of monsters away.

  “You know where Lord Emyzer ascended? Where is it?” Fionn asked.

  “In ancient times the dwarven gods obfuscated it deep underground. But it’s in the Ryft Plateau. Though I’ll trust you won’t share this with anyone else. I’m aware that it’s a rather contested region of the continent where war is likely to break out. More so no doubt, if people were more broadly aware that it’s the location of Emyzer’s ascension site.”

  “You’re not wrong. If word got out then the Xaturian’s might seize control of it and that would be the last thing we need. Do you know what effect it has on the world?”

  “Those who enter its area of effect are granted either prophecy or a connection with the gods. Each, temporarily,” Maeori said, with her usual factual tone.

  “Fascinating, I’ll see what I can do to find a place for you in the archives. If you do manage to self-study wizardry I’d be more than impressed. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to discuss something with Sofia. Where might I find you?”

  “Very good question, I don’t know. I haven’t been here before so I can’t say I know that many places around the city. Sofia, where do you think I’d find Glenn and the others? Staying with them or getting them to show me around is likely my best bet.”

  “They’re likely still at the tradehouse. They’ll probably stay at the Adventuring Guild tonight,” I said.

  “Oh… I see…” Maeori affirmed.

  “Is something the matter?” Fionn asked.

  “In all likelihood nothing is. I’m still piecing things together and figuring out what to be wary of against actual threats.”

  I sat quiet as Fionn gave directions to Maeori. The tradehouse held bitter memories for me. I gave a smile and a wave as she left.

  I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t belong. If the gods want me to be on the path, why is everyone else so much more capable than I am? Even though Fionn and Maeori’s verbal sparring didn’t last long, when she and Fionn were talking above me it showed my inability. When trying to save Maeori to begin with, Glenn and Ivili made short work of the wolves when one of my attacks could barely get them to flinch. I couldn’t even get Maeori’s arm in a great condition after using several healing spells. I thought I was returning to the gods' good graces after they called out to me, but it was never about me. I’m not worthy enough.

  I looked up from my slump. Fionn was waiting for me. She’d heated up a kettle of water with a spell and prepared us tea.

  “How are you doing Sofia? You found yourself in the midst of something rather grand. Will you be joining them?”

  I gave a soft smile. “I would like to but I’m not sure yet it’s the path the gods want me on. I wouldn’t be able to offer much to it anyways.”

  “You said one of the gods spoke to you. I think that’s a significant sign.”

  “Yes, but it was like when the two of you were talking. It wasn’t for me. It was for Maeori. How do I know that I haven’t already walked the whole path they’ve planned for me?”

  “You can say you’re weak and put Maeori on some pedestal, but she admitted to being far weaker than you are now.”

  “She’ll eclipse me. It’s been years since the gods bestowed me with a spell after all.”

  “Please, try if you can not to listen to what your father and his men tell you. There’s more to faith than the spells the gods grant you.”

  “I… I know. I don’t know how else to interpret my prayers being unanswered for so long.” I leaned back on the sofa feeling defeated. I don’t want to keep talking about this. I don’t want to keep being reminded of how useless I am. “What do you think about Maeori? Has she earned your trust?”

  “You’ll come out of the slump you’re in, you just need to have faith and trust in the gods,” She said with a well meaning smile. “I wouldn’t quite say my trust was earned completely, but it's like Maeori said, she doesn’t mean you harm. Everything thereafter was spoken directly enough I have no doubt she had a revelation.” Fionn’s smile dropped and the tiredness was clearer. “She’s clearly cunning and holds secrets close to the chest. That’s the main reason I’m still a little uneasy. While I can offer some assistance, what Maeori decides to do isn’t ultimately my concern unless it affects you. The path the gods gave me in becoming your mentor was to support you. So the real question is what do you plan on doing?”

  “I-I don’t know.” It was annoying how easily she turned it back to me. “I feel like my father would only make things harder for us, and if I’m still unworthy of receiving new spells or growing then I’d be more of a burden then anything else.”

  “Sofia, you need to realize your father scarcely wants you to do your duties, yet you’re still able to do them.” Fionn paused for a moment, taking a sip of her tea before continuing. “If you ask me, you were brought into this for a reason. We’re entering into worrisome times. There have been some rumors making the rounds. It would seem the gods have been reaching out to their followers a lot more in recent days.”

  “O-oh.” So the gods reaching out to me is even less meaningful.

  “From what I’ve heard it’s mostly been high ranking members of the church who’ve received these messages. A celestial realignment is occurring. The Primordial Gods’ presences can no longer be felt by the other gods. Their impact is still around and we still have memories of them so they haven’t ceased. The Severance Gods don’t know what’s happening, all they’ve told us is to ensure we’re ready to act if something catastrophic happens. You and Maeori are the first people, even including the church’s inner circle, who’ve received a quest or a more active call to action. I’d highly recommend you continue on this path.”

  “I see.” This was almost more to take in than everything else that’s happened. I sat drinking the tea Fionn prepared for me. “Why didn’t you tell Maeori this?”

  “If she keeps her secrets close to the chest, so will I. I’d advise you to do the same.”

  “I-I see. If you’d excuse me I’d like some time before I give my official report of the mission.”

  “I understand, I’m always here for you.”

  “T-thank you.” I began to stand up to make my way out.

  “Sofia,” Fionn called, stopping me as I was about to leave.

  “Yes?”

  “I know, this is a terrible thing to say but I had always been hoping that, one of these times, when you’re delivering alms that you’d leave and never come back. It’s not because I wouldn’t miss you or that I want to see you gone. Rather you’ve never seemed happy here. Your dreams for life, even if you don’t fully know them yourself, something tells me they’ve always laid elsewhere. I think that’s what the gods have been trying to tell you these last two years; that there’s nothing left for you here. The greatest advice I can give to you is that you need to figure out what you want from your own life. Your own path. I’m glad they chose you. We’ll have a year to get you in shape for your journey.”

  “I-I see. I’ll consider it.”

  I left the room. Each step was heavy and my heart was pounding. Dread filled my heart. I moved back towards the cathedral. This would be my moment of truth. The confirmation of whether the gods desire me to follow on this path or not. I knew I was weak. I knew I was incapable.

  I still remember the faces of the villagers from the other day. When we had to leave, I was unable to cure everyone who was sick. The faces of anger and betrayal that replaced the relief and hope when they first saw us there. I left people to die.

  As much as I wanted to be needed and to have the gods tell me I was walking the right path. I was certain I already knew what the result would be. Reentering the cathedral hall I made my way to Lady Corlyn’s alcove.

  I knelt and prayed. I gave thanks, promised offerings. Maeori’s words rang through my mind, ‘keep this all secret. That includes even in your prayers’. So I did my best to hide it. In the end because of that promise I couldn’t ask for something to aid in the journey. Instead, I asked for affirmation that I’m on the right path. Lady Corlyn would understand what that meant right? She wasn’t the god that set us off on this journey, but surely if one of the gods of the pantheon came to one of her followers she’d be aware of it.

  A moment of silence followed that felt like an eternity.

  My prayers weren’t answered.