Thread: To Serve the Goddess

Before I get into this last chapter, I want to let all my readers to know that To Betray a Master is free this weekend on Amazon . Pick it up before the 3rd, when it goes back to full price. Thanks again, and I would love to hear if you enjoyed it! Divine Intervention Under the dim light of dawn, the townsfolk of Duncaster filed out of their homes, taking only what they could carry on their backs. A scene that had played out before Mykel more times than he cared to count. Every time it was the same, and every time it was heartbreaking. The demons claimed more and more every day, driving humans into hiding. Whats the point of raising up Her paladins, when we cant even past the demons back? How can the Goddess of Love and War lose this war? Im not going with Matthias, Oracle asserted, adjusting the leather and chain armor she donned. And since Im not a paladin, you cant just command me to leave. Mykel sighed, The Order needs you more than I do. And I told you, we arent going to die here. How do we survive this? Have you seen this with your sight? Care to share the battle plan? Oracle glanced in his direction, spear raised and golden eyes ablaze, Have faith. The sun was still low, but bright as it illuminated the newest ghost town in the demon lands. Shadows cast long against the empty houses and abandoned farms. The things they left behind always weighed the heaviest. Even divinely gifted strength didnt change this fact for him. Hed never see his daughter again, and worse, shed never know he was her father. As much as it hurt him, perhaps it was better for her. Shed done well enough without a father, so far. The horde started as a trickle, small demons arriving first, easily cut down by the veteran paladin. Even Oracle, without divinely gifted strength, defeated the early foes. Their bodies piled in the village and their blood soaked into the ground, turning it dark and muddy. As the battle raged on, larger demons joined the fray and incessant numbers wore Mykel down. For each he struck down, two more appeared in their place. The muck weighed down his feet, and muscles burned with ache. At some point, Mykel realized their foes were not intent on slaying them, but playing with them. Already surrounding them, cutting off their retreat, and any hope of making it out alive. Was this what she meant when she said they werent going to die? The words no longer held hope for Mykel. Demons surrounded Mykel and Oracle, closing them into a tighter and tighter space, until their bodies touched, and they were back to back. I dont suppose you can call upon the goddess to intercede for us again, Mykel managed through heaving breaths. An infernal sword lazily swung forth, and Oracle barely deflected, wooden spear splintering as the blade cut deep. You know divine intervention isnt meant for our convenience. And it doesnt mean shes not here. Have faith. Movement beyond the group surrounding them caught Mykels attention, and a being came into view. He stood taller than the demons surrounding him, by a few feet, at least. Great gnarled horns twisted from his head, forming a broken circle over his head. His skin was grey, like a month-old corpse. Black armor covered the rest of his body, thick as steel and crafted with the forsaken souls of mortals, it could withstand even a paladins strength. Most damning was the scythe at his side, a monstrosity that seeped with infernal smoke. Zargolis. Only a miracle could save them now. Therell be no death for you, Paladin. Not easily, at least, Zargolis snarled, smoky miasma dripping from his fanged maw. His mouth twisted into a mockery if a smile. Your woman will serve our lusts and bear our bastards. Youll be broken, tortured until you forsake the War Whore, and offer your soul to Vaebahl, Lord of Hate. Arrogant, but empty boasts waited on the tip of Mykels tongue. Last words before trying to figure out a way to get himself killed, before the demons could capture and corrupt him. But Oracle pushed past him, possessing greater strength than even a paladin was capable of, and addressed the demon crowing before them. Zargolis, you once served as an Archon of Justice. A little thing like rebellion does not excuse you from service . The voice came from Oracle, but Mykel knew it was not hers. It spoke with authority far older than time. Only the danger that surrounded them now prevented him from falling to his knees in supplication. Zargolis released a short bark of laughter. Despair, War-Whore, as we slake our vengeance upon your servants. Know we would do the same to you, given half a chance. Pity Zargolis. You are the last of my late Husbands retainers. With you dies his legacy. Strike me down yourself, then, Zargolis called, weapon heaved in the air over his head. This slave you sent before me is not up to the task. And your mistake is to presume Ive only sent the one. At that moment, arrows tore through the surrounding demons, golden bolts of light that pierced through several fiends without stopping or slowing. Scores fell, opening a path for Mykel to charge Zargolis. Nevertheless, the elder demon did not back down, spinning his terrible scythe before him. Radiant light enveloped Mykels sword, opposite and opposing the dark miasma seeping the blade of Zargolis scythe. Steel rang on steel as the weapons came together, neither paladin nor demon giving an inch in the deadlock. Zargolis pressed in closer, testing Mykels strength, his faith, his dedication to Afodisia. When he could not break the conviction Mykel possessed, he merely smiled, and exhaled his toxic breath. Like breathing in brimstone, it burned as it reached Mykels lungs, triggering a coughing fit that disrupted the deadlock. Mykel stumbled back a few steps, but it wasnt enough to save him. The scythe hooked behind his boot, and pulled him off his feet. He landed with a slick thud, heavy armor sinking into the sludge of the battlefield. Despite the brief tremors of hope, Mykel knew this was how he would die. Had he bought enough time for the nevin to escape with Matthias? Hed have to have faith. Hed find no peace otherwise. The scythe came down, but sword materialized to intercept it. No, not materialized. Matthias wielded it, stepping in at the last moment to save him. It meant the boy hadnt followed his orders, but it was difficult to be angry now. He wasnt dead, and he owed that to his acolyte. Together, Master? Matthias asked, deflecting a blow on his shield. Mykel lifted his sword. Together, he agreed. Then, as one, the men charged Zargolis with powerful wide strokes. The demon blocked one, but the other struck true, slashing deep across Zargolis back. He stumbled forward several steps, and spun just in time to avoid Matthias follow-up strikes. Not in time, however, to dodge Mykels swing, the blade catching his arm and spilling more black blood. Flailing, Zargolis parried two more blows, until Matthias landed a horizontal slice into Zargolis thigh. This sent the demon down, landing on his knees with a massive thud, and meeting Mykels eyes once again. You werent strong enough to defeat me on your own, Paladin, Zargolis growled. No, Mykel agreed, hefting his great sword back over his shoulder, I never needed to be. The blade whistled as it sliced the wind, until it met the brief resistance of flesh. Zargolis head slid from his body in a wet thump, and ichor sprayed from the massive would, showering Mykel and Matthias alike. Golden light poured from the heavens, and focused upon Oracles position. Her spear, splintered, but still solid, served as a conduit for concentrated rays, focusing the radiance on a single point, before expanding outward, cleansing the corruption of the remaining demons. Then she collapsed. So, what is your very good reason for disobeying my orders? Mykel asked, turning his attention on Matthias as they rode side by side. The refugees of Wellspring and Duncaster marched on ahead. The victory over Zargolis was powerful, but it was only a temporary reprieve. At least the path back to Hopeshire was mostly safe, now. Besides saving your ass? Matthias asked, daring a short laugh. Mykels gaze hardened, and Matthias cleared his throat. It was Oracles idea. You abandoned two villages worth of nevin on the word of a single woman, who cant even remember her own name? It didnt come from her. It came from Afodisia. Matthias sighed, and looked ahead, I cant explain it, not logically, but I just know. I just had faith, and faith led me back to you. Mykel didnt need Matthias to explain it, in order to understand. Oracle had been explaining it to him for days, but hed been too stubborn to listen. Faith was a paladins most powerful weapon, and hed neglected it for too long. Oracle rode up ahead, with Diana sharing her horse. Mykel couldnt hear their conversation over the recurrent hoofing of their steed, but he could make out Dianas laughter. His duty to the goddess kept him from his daughter, but now the goddess was bringing him back to her. There was still a chance to be a father. The Goddess was with them, now. She hadnt abandoned her children, and she wouldnt. THE END