Tania visited her friend Sekhmet in the Land of Manu many times, and she also began visiting Memphis, the capital of human Egypt.

  However, the goddess’s constant wanderings through foreign territories began to cause unease in Qart-Lel. Eventually, Hammon summoned his mischievous wife.

  In a vast, dark chamber—its columns hung with terrifying faces and the floor covered by an immense purple carpet—Tania presented herself before Baal Hammon and bowed deeply.

  “How long has it been since we last saw each other, my dear wife?” Hammon asked.

  “More than a hundred human years, my lord,” Tania replied, still kneeling.

  “Indeed, Tannit. Our marriage has brought peace and stability to our realm, and thanks to your visits to the human world, I have seen your cult grow considerably. It seems that some priests have uncovered your identity and now proclaim you as a goddess who frees them from great tribulations,” Baal Hammon explained.

  “It was never my intention to be discovered, my lord,” Tania replied.

  “Please, Tannit, stand,” Hammon ordered while remaining seated on his throne. Tania rose and met his gaze.

  “Thank you, my lord,” the goddess replied.

  “You see, Tannit. Carthage seeks to expand militarily across all of Libya, and from there into Iberia and the southern Italian peninsula. Our prosperous kingdom will soon be able to rival Lel and become the most powerful human realm,” Hammon said as he rose from his throne and began pacing before her.

  “I am not fond of wars, my lord,” Tania answered.

  “I believe that through trade and diplomacy we could all reach understanding,” she added.

  Baal Hammon stopped and glared at her with irritation.

  “That is a utopian fantasy, my dear wife. The only language others understand is that of weapons. If we do not throw the first spear, we will merely wait to be impaled by theirs,” Hammon replied sharply.

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  Tania nodded reluctantly.

  “Those jealous gods in Lel now seek to seize our prosperous kingdom as well, now that they have lost several human cities such as Tyre and Sidon to the Assyrian Empire. We must expand and build an empire, especially now that that dreadful power threatens Egypt,” the god continued.

  “I do not see what any of this has to do with me, my lord. You know I am but a lunar goddess who helps people, not a goddess who bears spear and shield and marches against enemies,” Tania replied, her expression dark.

  “Your power has grown greatly, my dear. Thanks to the devotion of Carthage toward you, your abilities are now strong enough for you to be considered a katteres,” Baal Hammon replied.

  “But my strength is not for—” Tania began, only to be cut off as the god of Carthage stomped forcefully upon the floor.

  “This is not a request. It is an order,” he shouted.

  Tania fell silent, her face filled with displeasure.

  “From this moment on, you will lead the human armies. I want you to inspire men and great generals, to carry war to the nearby Mediterranean islands such as Sicily. Use your newfound power to conquer other lands. Furthermore, I forbid you from ever entering the Land of Manu again. If we must face Egypt, then we shall—do you understand?” Baal Hammon declared with a commanding voice.

  “Yes, my lord,” Tania replied bitterly.

  “Good. Now speak with that fool Sid Babi to determine when the city’s territorial expansion will begin,” he said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

  “As you command, my lord,” Tania replied, bowed, and departed.

  The kingdom of Carthage began to expand, and Tania’s power grew greater and greater. Malakim, igigi, and even enemy katteres were no match for her. Inspired by Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess, Tania learned to wield fire.

  “Sekhmet is a warrior goddess. I must become as strong as she is,” she thought.

  Carthage seized control of nearly all of North Africa, all thanks to Tania’s power. In a victory ceremony, she was rewarded with a golden necklace, which she wore proudly to intimidate her enemies. She earned the title the Lioness of Libya.

  However, when Carthage began expanding into the Mediterranean, Tania encountered Greek gods and suffered defeat on the island of Sicily at the hands of Hephaestus. Ashamed, she pleaded with her husband to grant her more power, for what she possessed was still not enough.

  “Of course, my dear, I shall give you more power,” the god replied with a smile.

  Some time later, Carthage clashed with Rome, and Tania faced the might of the Roman gods, led by Janus and Mars. Tania was immensely powerful and defeated them with ease. Yet she learned why Mars was so beloved and respected among the Roman gods—he never knew when to surrender. In the end, his relentless persistence overcame her, and Tania returned once more to her husband in humiliation.

  “It is still not enough. I want more. Give me more,” the goddess demanded, her eyes now bloodshot with hatred and desperation.

  “Soon you will be even stronger, Tannit—strong enough to destroy those provincial Roman gods,” Baal Hammon replied.

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