by Tony Corden
“I suspect they thought everyone would imagine the actual problem that needed addressing was that everything was being shown in the open rather than the abuse itself. I would have been dealt with so the abuse could go back to happening in the dark. This is what I imagine has happened in the past. I’ve decided that if it is only by war that these things can be stopped, then we shall have a war. If we have to have a war, then I suspect the best approach is to win it expeditiously.”
“S: Yes, I suspect it is like when Fetheden led us from the sands. The time had come. We needed to stand firm for our choices, even if the only two options were death and freedom. Even so, I am haunted by my memories. I wonder at the cost, for many will die.”
“They will. Then, at the end, even if we succeed, those who come after us will need to fight the same battles after us. I suspect that truth is what often stays our hands from doing what is right. My only comfort is that those who come after will have a smaller battle because we have fought ours. If those before us had acted earlier, then our battles would be smaller.”
“S: Can you decide this for the millions who may perish?”
“The answer is complicated. No, I believe in some way I can only make the decision for myself. On the other hand, I have accepted the responsibility of being a leader. I am the Empress of Vatan. Those who have chosen to set me as their leader know how I feel. For them, to follow me is to agree that I make decisions which affect them. For them, I can and do declare that I am going to wage war with all the resources at my command. Suzluk and those who follow him should know that I am not going to sit still but will take action to end their tyranny until all Vatan that is mine is free of their influence. They will be anathema in my territories.”
A reader appeared which Leah quickly ran her fingers over.
War of the Gods Announcement
Attention All Players
Atherleah, Empress of Vatan, Champion of Lord Umut and Friend of Lady Utsal, has declared Lord Suzluk, God of Despair, Lady Harabe, Goddess of Ruin, Lord Önyargi, God of Prejudice, Lady Garez, Goddess of Spite and Malice, and all who stand with them as Anathema. The Empress’ statement included a firm declaration of her intent to wage war wherever necessary. This declaration enacts those sections of the Articles of Divine War which include the actions of those not associated with a god. If you are a declared follower of Empress Atherleah, then your efforts against those who follow the aforementioned gods will now attract bonus rewards regardless of your own affiliation.
Note: It is recommended that you contact the representative of your god to determine their intentions so as not to inadvertently wage war against those who would become, at some stage, your allies.
Leah shook her head slightly with frustration at the announcement, then said, “I also declare that any who use the war as an excuse to commit unwarranted attacks on innocents and those merely minding their own business will be considered traitors if they are from within my realm, and war criminals if from outside. Before all the gods, I call on the creators to make such violations known to all that those who commit such atrocities may be hunted down and executed. I will match whatever financial reward is given by either the gods or the creators for the execution of these criminals. Further, my Imperial Guards will continue to hunt any traveller involved until they have been killed ten times for every innocent. The term ‘unwarranted’ and ‘war criminal’ are used as defined in the Articles of Divine War in the section on War Crimes.”
There was a much longer delay before her declaration appeared as an announcement to all players. As soon as it did, three more appeared.
War of the Gods Announcement
Attention Players (opt-in only)
Lady Serseri, Goddess of the Outcast, has declared she stands with her Champion and is aligned with Lord Umut, God of Hope, and Lady Utsal, Goddess of Light and Truth.
War of the Gods Announcement
Attention Players (opt-in only)
Lord Umut, God of Hope, Lady Utsal, Goddess of Light and Truth and Lady Serseri, Goddess of the Outcast have affirmed Empress Atherleah’s declaration on the killing of innocents. Lady Utsal, Goddess of Light and Truth and Lady Serseri, Goddess of the Outcast have pledged to reward those who execute such criminals. The amount is undisclosed at this time.
War of the Gods Announcement
Attention Players (opt-in only)
The Administrators of Dunyanin declare that those who use the war as an excuse to commit unwarranted attacks on innocents and those merely minding their own business will be considered war criminals. Those who commit such violations will be marked visibly in a manner visible to all players and NPC’s similar to the markings used to show those players termed ‘Player Killers’. The mark will be permanently visible to all until the player is killed, and it will be apparent to all the Empress’ Imperial Guards until they have been killed ten times for each violation. The reward for killing a player, or NPC, so marked will be one Platinum and the relevant Experience Points.
As the reader disappeared, Leah felt the silence of those around her. She apologised for her inattention and explained what had happened.
“S: Good, I only wish all leaders would agree to such things.”
“Sevelin, I also understand that even with these understandings, many innocent will still die in the acts of war.”
“S: I know, but as you have reminded me, the consequences of not standing for the right will be worse in the long term. But enough philosophy. What of your friends?”
Leah walked to the start of the broader area with her face toward the cliff and said, “Sevelin, please stand beside Mĕi.”
Sevelin moved to stand on Mĕi’s right while both Yürek and Melez stood on Mĕi’s left. Leah remained under Mĕi’s heads. She asked Three to project her voice more than usual. She said, “Lord Seyahat, God of Journeys, I declare my request is not a way to seek allegiance but simply an acknowledgement of your area of authority and influence. I understand you may help those who stand against me, and I will not hold such as a declaration of your agreement with them nor your displeasure with me. I ask that as per the agreement reached with my representative, and concerning the artefact in my possession that you allow my people to travel through your land.”
Nothing happened for a moment, then a bright blue light appeared in the centre of the area in front of Leah. It grew in intensity until everyone except Leah and Mĕi had to avert their eyes. The light began to expand until it morphed into a sheet of light which covered a large square area that almost filled the entire rock shelf. Leah made a note to tell Peter it was over twice as wide and deep as he’d suggested.
The light began to pulse, and Leah could feel forms begin to materialise all across the square. As the pulsing light increased in tempo, the forms became more solid and then with a flash, the light disappeared. The entire area was covered with several thousand players and the ten hands of the Imperial guards. It was clear that while most of the players were warriors of one kind or another, there was a smattering of craftsmen of all types.
The players all gave out a massive cheer at finding themselves on a mountain top, but the cry stilled as all three of Mĕi’s heads let out a roar, filling the air with sound, flame, smoke and mist. Everyone turned to look at the massive creature and then saw Leah standing between her legs.
Even the sight of Mĕi couldn’t stop a second cheer, and four figures in the front row stepped forward. It was clear they’d choreographed the move as Thad, Amy and Wisp let the Günahkâr guard approach Leah first. His uniform had the gold trim of a Toprak. He went to one knee and said, “War Leader, my name is Lušom. I am Baş of one hand and eldest of those Baş present. We have come to serve. Baş Yürek, you now speak for those Günahkâr who are present.”
Yürek stepped half a pace forward and said, “Y