“By your leave then,” said Tyler.
The group followed Viracocha back to quarters. Guards were now posted along every corridor. Tyler saw patrols with dogs in the temple grounds. The royal guard commander clearly was not leaving anything to chance. The mage even saw groups of bowmen on top of buildings.
“The security looks vastly improved,” commented Tyler.
“It’s also a question of honor for the guard commander even though it’s not his fault. This complex is now tight as a new quipu. I think he’s going to offer his resignation and head in a short while. But I don’t think Ayar-Maita is going to accept it. That creature was able to pass the scrutiny of priests, mages, and even a deity.”
When they reached the corridor, the god stopped.
“Now, a change in arrangements. The men will stay in the original room while the women will have the room next door. It’s a bit smaller. Rest while you can. It’s going to be busy in the next day or two. I heard celebrations in the Aztecah capital are going to be held the day after tomorrow. Though people are already arriving for the pre-celebration festivities.”
That said, the group separated and went to their separate quarters. Tyler went straight to the corner and washed up. Removing his armor and weapons, he went back to the table and ate. He felt ravenous. Viracocha sat beside him again. The mage looked at Habrok and Tyndur. The two had gone to bed already though Habrok first jammed a chair against the locked door. The deity also looked at the two. Tyndur was already starting to snore. The god waved his left hand in their direction.
“There. They’ll have a restful sleep. I’ll do the same for Astrid and Asem later. I appreciate that the High Priestess of Thaut kept my identity to herself. I expect she had a difficult time refraining from asking me questions,” smiled Viracocha.
“She did mention she knows you, but that you were parsimonious with your knowledge. I think that’s the word she used.”
“Knowledge requires understanding. A difficult combination. Knowledge will be given when a person is ready and not before.”
“Now, what was that about needing a release?”
“You know deities get angry. Mad. Furious. Even ancient ones like me,” said the god. “Ancient. A word that fits me well. The presence of that travesty of life in my main temple made me furious for the first time in… millennia. Wouldn’t you be? I was so mad I had to express it somehow. A release before I started losing it and faced off with the Aztecah pantheon all by myself. A bad move. Stupid, even. The only place I could destroy something without repercussion was in the Void Lands. I went there and wreaked some havoc before I felt better and sane enough to come back.”
“The Void Lands? I keep on hearing that name. But why not somewhere else? The sea. Some distant mountain range. An empty area in the Barren or Death Lands?”
“The sea? No telling if I’d hit a minor or major deity or their favored creatures. Same with mountain ranges and empty lands. Never empty, contrary to the description. There’s always somebody or something there. If not deities or creatures, then ordinary animals or humans. A lone hunter, for example. The Void Lands is the only safe place for an exercise in wanton destruction as long as one does it just inside its borders. Past its boundaries, expect enemies of gods and men. Foes of unknown power. Creatures of bizarre abilities. Sometimes, even the very ground becomes your enemy. As I told you before, I have been there. I doubt if I can find words to describe how dangerous that place is.”
“What did you do? Level a mountain or two?”
“One mountain and the area near a dimensional portal. Nothing fancy. Just grabbed vast portions of the ground and upended them. Good for the land. Enables fresh earth to come up. The surface of the Void Lands is already blackened by corruption, strange energies, and magical blasts. Perennial wars are going on in that territory. Men against creatures from other planes which also fight among themselves. Add to that the bizarre creatures and mutations. It’s a perfect nightmare.”
“You leveled a mountain?” asked Tyler, trying to imagine the devastation.
“Not really. More like created a small plateau, some low hills, and a bit of broken ground around it. Though I have to admit, it feels good to let go sometimes. Acting like a child throwing a tantrum. I did see something curious though I didn’t stop to investigate. I knew you were already fuming when you noticed I wasn’t around.”
“What curiosity did you see? A nice portal back to Earth? I really would like that.”
“You wish. I saw signs of some strange structures. Uncovered it when I did the farming bit. Curious. The only time I saw structures of any kind was near the gates to other planes. But that’s to be expected. Sentient and intelligent beings sometimes build outposts. But the one I saw was near the border and not close to any portal or gate that I know of.”
“A mystery then. Good thing I have no plans of going to the Void Lands. Sounds like a nasty place.”
“It is a place to be avoided. For man or god. Now, how did you perceive that Hualpa was not human?”
Why do I get trapped like this? First, Dionysus, now Viracocha, thought Tyler. And Dionysus is but a campfire to this forest conflagration.
“Well, it has to do with being a visitor and the ability to do magic. I sense strange energies and found I can disperse them.”
Not the entire truth but not a lie either, he consoled himself. Despite everything he had seen of the deities of Adar, Tyler believed Viracocha is of that rare exception to the general rule. Eira and Dionysus make up the rest of his very short list.
Viracocha looked at him for a while and then sighed.
“A unique ability,” he remarked. “I was hoping I’d learn something to enable gods and men to detect those profane imitations of life. Adar knows how many of them are out there, sowing mistrust and engendering miscalculations. I don’t even know if the dogs could smell the difference. To top it all, my hands are still tied. I am not yet of the pantheon, that you know. I would prefer matters to stay that way. It gives me a lot of leeway in my actions. But if I render any direct assistance to you, a known foe of the empire, then matters would be sealed as far as their gods are concerned. The time is nearing for me to be the chief deity of the Incan pantheon, but that time is not now.”
“Why so? They know you’re Incan.”
“Plans within plans, my boy. I work to ensure the best result but also have to prepare for the worst. Right now, I could talk to deities of other pantheons and even take action together in matters not openly involved with the war. Assuming the leadership mantle will stop all that. The eastern part of Adar is not ready. I even doubt that the west can give significant help because of the increased activity from the Void Lands. The Aztecah Empire had grown too powerful. Somehow that power must be curtailed and reduced.”
The deity shook his head.
“Even a god will feel old when the time comes. That time for me had passed long ago. To think I was preparing for a glorious end fighting in the Void Lands. Now I am back to plotting and scheming. The only way I can go out the way I want to is if we manage to stop the empire somehow and stabilize the pantheons in this part of Adar. Too many have died. Some deserved it. But others could have helped.”
“How about my kind? Does that factor enter your calculations?”
“Always, Mr. West. You see, most of the deities will not evolve past the limitations set by the beliefs that created them. Humanity, on the other hand, will continuously evolve and develop. In what direction, I cannot say. It may be a world where pantheons do not exist anymore, or a place where magic and humanity’s needs are harmonized with the pantheons filling a role, or a realm of war between humans and the gods. But our present problem forebodes another possible future, a dark and evil one for all beings. So, as the Jade Emperor used to say, we build a house by laying the first brick. It means—”
“I know,” commented Tyler. “We deal with the Aztecah first.”
“But that’s the tricky part. Not all of their gods are invol
ved in this war. Some are even against it. It’s never black or white, my boy. Reality is far from such simple imagery.”
“That sounds like politics to me.”
“It is politics. Though it all depends on the purpose of one’s involvement. Remember what I told you about humanity’s capacity to evolve? One of the reasons I am doing this is to give the Aztecah people that chance. If their patrons become their overlords not only in fact but also in name, then Dionysus can kiss his wine goodbye.”
“You’re giving me a headache. And there’s no Ibuprofen in this world.”
“Pain is usually a price for something truly valuable. The capacity to understand is one such resource. Rest now, Mr. West. I hope I will have something for you in the morning. Coniraya had been very busy as of late. Let’s hope he has been successful,” laughed Viracocha. “And if I may ask, what is Ibuprofen?”
“I apologize. It’s a healing item back on the First World. Usually used for headaches. Quite popular.”
“I didn’t know headaches are now that common. There was a time when the cause of headaches was usually solved by surgery. Usually fatal,” remarked the deity with barely suppressed mirth.
I notice Viracocha tends to loosen up around me. I hope that’s a good thing. For one thing, he jokes more. Sadly, usually at my expense, thought Tyler.
“There is one thing I would like to know. Was that vision really the future under the boy-king?” blurted out Tyler.
“One possible future. Nobody could really tell the future. There are too many possibilities when one stands at a given point in time. Maybe Fate can, but she’s quite tightlipped and worse than a miser when it comes to tidbits like that. If she does give hints, the clues will be worse than the query. You need a lot of that Ibuprofen you described. That orb will first show the most likely future. Then upon command, it displays others.”
“I didn’t know that. The ability to display other futures, I mean.”
“I probably forgot to tell you about it.”
“And you’re Santa Claus. You’re clearly doing to me in the brown. Come on, spill,” replied the now annoyed mage. Then the comprehension hit. Oh freak. I said that to an overpowered deity.
Viracocha laughed.
“Who’s Santa Claus? And what’s that in the brown reference?
“Santa Claus is a mythological figure back in First World. Comes around once a year. Rewards good children, punishes the bad by leaving a lump of coal. The second reference is a vulgar one.”
“Your Santa Claus sounds like Krampus, the son of Hel. He has a similar tradition though more frightening, painful, and bloody. Walks around with a bundle of birch sticks. Is your Santa also horned, extended red tongue, have goat’s feet, looks like a demon?”
“Not in the slightest. Quite the opposite. Nowadays, he appears like the perfect grandfather. You’re diverting the discussion plus you sound as if you’ve met the guy,” remarked the mage.
“I have. A pleasant conversationalist despite the appearance. Soft-spoken too. We’ll discuss the orb at the proper time. What’s done is done. Rest assured that the chances of the Inka Kingdom and a lot of people in surviving this conflict are now better than before. You saw that Hualpa monster. If that’s any indication, I would say a lot more than flesh and blood are at stake. With that, I guess I have to leave and make a few visits.”
“I thought Coniraya was waiting here for us,” asked Tyler, suddenly remembering what Viracocha mentioned.
“It appears matters are a bit more complicated than they seemed. He’s arranging your visit and it’s not easy. The Aztecah deities involved fear being found out by their masters.”
“Oh. Goodnight, Viracocha.” Piker.
With that, the discussion came to a close. Viracocha waved as he slowly vanished and afterward, Tyler went to bed. He dreamt of flowers, a gentle breeze, towering trees, a peaceful pond, a house in the middle of a forest, and Eira standing by the door, smiling at him. He smiled back.
Chapter Lore:
Quipu – An Incan device made of knots and colored cords. Used to record information.
Chapter XVII
Joining the Festivities
The clatter of plates and cutlery woke Tyler. He opened his eyes drowsily. Tyndur and Habrok were already eating what he assumed was the morning meal. The mage asked Habrok the time as he sat up on the bed.
“Just after dawn, sire.”
This is the pits. A proper bed and I get to wake up at dawn.
He tried to go back to sleep. Breakfast can wait. Then he sensed Viracocha.
“Awake? Good. Some news. Good and bad.”
“Man, could you have waited for a while longer? I am still sleepy. For me, there’s a huge difference between dawn and morning when the sun should be properly shining.”
“But you’re awake now. You’ll get a headache if you go to sleep again so soon,” insisted the Incan. “And it’s god, not man.”
“It’s just an expression, Viracocha. And let me wash first. Hopefully, the drowsiness will go away.”
“Man. The First World really has some quaint expressions. Though I doubt if I could use the term in everyday conversation, it would sound condescending.”
“In your case, it would. Give me a minute.”
Tyler cast a quick healing spell on himself on the way to the washbasins. Then he joined the two and started his breakfast.
“Are you sufficiently awake?” Viracocha’s query sounded in his thoughts.
“I guess so. Coffee would be nice. But I still haven’t found any in this world. Except for Eira’s acorn coffee. But drinking the real thing would be a blessing.”
“Coffee. I am not familiar with that drink. You can have a drink made from ground cacao with honey. It’s a Mayan practice, but some nobles here drink it. The Aztecah do grow some cacao. They use it as currency sometimes. Not that common among the Incans who use coca leaves as a mild stimulant. No contest there, I believe.”
“I would think so. Not that I am interested. I assume the ground cacao drink would taste bitter?”
“Of course.”
“Oh, no thanks then. I’ll wait until I meet a deity who knows coffee.”
“Now, to what Coniraya had learned. First, the celebrations are indeed tomorrow. Second, there’s going to be a lot of attendees. The Aztecah got a few thousand sacrificial candidates from that attack on my temple. They are going to sacrifice most of them to cover the death of Yayauhqui and the loss of four thousand men. Third, you will be able to enter Tamoanchan, with the assistance of a friend from the other side. But, here’s the bad news, we have been advised to avoid sending individuals with magical resonance. Apparently, there are some safeguards against unknown magical beings around the temple complex. That prevents the einherjar, the Valkyrie, and the demigoddess from joining you. Only Habrok is safe, being human. You won’t raise any alarm as there’s no magical energy in your body anyway. Odin’s ring and Loki’s gift will also help you during the entry to the temple complex.”
Did he know about Loki’s gift? And I’ll be entering the heart of the Aztecah Empire with only Habrok at my side? I’m fucked.
“Do you know what you’re saying? I mean, entering Tamoanchan with only one companion? And how trustworthy is that Aztecah friend? I do remember you saying Coniraya is the Incan god of trickery. I can end up as a guest at the top of one of their temples. Or as a soulless minion of those patrons. No biggie,” responded Tyler.
“I said it before, and I’ll say it again, sarcasm doesn’t fit you, Tyler. As to trustworthiness, I will vouch for Ehecatl, their god of wind. He is an aspect of Quetzalcoatl which in turn tells you what weighty matters rest on the success of your escapade.”
“Let me get this straight. One point at a time. You trust the word of a rival deity who also represents the ones attacking the Inka Kingdom? Assuming everything goes back to what they were before, doesn’t that mean fighting will again erupt, and pantheons will be back to scheming against each other?” asked Tyle
r.
“Without the patrons, of course. For now, I trust Quetzalcoatl. He does represent a more benevolent side of the Aztecah pantheon. Don’t worry about the pantheons. If all goes well, the Aztecah deities will be back at their favorite pastime – being at each other’s throats. The great conflict between Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca had never been resolved satisfactorily though their last contest ended with the white god’s defeat. There are also other groups within the pantheon, all biding their time to grab more power. The blue and red gods also have their cliques. Then conspiracies will be hatched, usually also involving gods of other pantheons, plots and schemes planned. I don’t doubt the Incan pantheon, even with its drastically reduced number, will be involved. The gods of Kemet and surrounding lands will also play.”
“What a freaking mess!”
“A good freaking mess. They’ll be busy most of the time and more or less ignore mortals.”
“In short, a free-for-all?”
“Something like that.”
“Another frigging sandbox.”
“What does a sandbox have to do with scheming and backstabbing deities?” asked the surprised Viracocha.
“It’s a reference to an ongoing war back in the First World where one’s friend today ends up being an enemy tomorrow. A war with a lot of sides and no clear delineation between factions. Temporary allies, permanent interests.”
“Hah. Exactly! Though this is on a deity level. Mortals are sometimes ignored. Humans are crueler in their wars. They scorch the very earth and torture before they kill. Remember that ruined settlement of Olmec origin? The Sapa Inca during that time ordered the survivors spiked on poles – man, woman, and child. A vicious and brutal act which led many Olmec settlements to capitulate. But the cost in suffering?” remarked the deity with a heavy sigh. “That’s war for you. Sadly, I have seen too much of it.”
Tyler stayed silent for a while.
“How about Coniraya? Can we trust him? He may be playing for the other side, for all we know.”
Blood Wars Page 26
