Zigferd closed the door to his office. The noise carried from the council chamber stopped abruptly. He walked towards his drinks cabinet and withdrew a bottle, turning to look at SJ.
"Drink?" Zigferd said.
"No thanks. I am going to head straight back once I have freshened up," SJ said, indicating the yellow ichor that was still present on parts of her wings she couldn't reach.
"Well, I need one," Zigferd said, removing a glass from the cabinet and pouring himself a large glass. He lifted it to his lips and drank greedily, his body shuddering as he swallowed. After placing the glass back down, he walked to the seats in front of his desk and sat heavily.
"So what's the plan?" SJ asked.
"I wish I knew," Zigferd replied, scratching his cheek. "The village leaders are in an uproar. The council are almost in a state of revolt. They expect that I can snap my fingers and resolve the problem."
A heavy weight fell on SJ's shoulders as she moved to a chair. She placed her head in her hands, letting out a deep sigh.
"What's wrong?" Zigferd asked, confused by her reaction.
"This is all because of me," SJ said, looking up at him. Her eyes had glazed over with tears. Now that SJ was away from the area, the realisation was settling in heavily that the only reason the gnoll and draconian forces had entered the territory was because of her levelling. If she hadn't automatically increased to level 20 when she had been in Asterfal, none of this would have happened.
"How can you say this is because of you? You aren't in control of the territory boundaries. The system controls and decides what happens."
"That's not exactly true. If I hadn't levelled, then the borders wouldn't have opened."
Zigferd scoffed at her comment. "They would have come anyway. It was only time-bound."
SJ now frowned, looking at Zigferd. "How can you say that?"
"I spoke to Nexis. He informed me that whether or not the borders had opened fully with your levelling, the chances were that the gnolls would have come anyway. The only difference is that they moved earlier than he had expected. He stated that the border increase here in Killic altered the borders in the desert region, meaning that higher-level beasts and monsters were able to move in. He stated that the added uncertainty probably gave the final push to act. He stated that each change was causing further ripples across the empire, and as things progress, nowhere is being left unaffected."
SJ was gobsmacked. She sat open-mouthed, unable to form a response for several moments, eventually gathering her words together. "When did you speak to Nexis?"
"At the festival, as soon as we discovered we were under attack. After you had left, of course."
"I wish that good-for-nothing god would communicate with me about what he knows," SJ huffed, her emotions rolling between frustration and anger.
On queue, a rift appeared in Zigferd's office.
They both stared, Zigferd having jumped from his seat upon seeing it, his mouth slack-jawed as they watched Nexis step through. SJ, having witnessed it previously, didn't react.
"Good for nothing, god? A little harsh, don't you think?" Nexis said as he brushed his jacket down. He was in his usual elf form that the town knew him for.
SJ was in no mood to play games with the god. People she knew had been killed, and someone she classed as a close friend in Ballentine had given his life.
"No, I don't. What good are you as a god if you can't help us?"
Nexis didn't react to SJ's jibe and crossed the office towards Zigferd's drinks cabinet. As he did, he reached sideways and helped Zigferd close his mouth, which was still hanging open.
"Do you mind?" Nexis said casually as he lifted the bottle and took a fresh glass.
Zigferd didn't reply. His stunned look painted a thousand words.
It was so easy to forget that Nexis was a god. He had become a part of Killic, often supporting Ptolemny at the Hogling Arms on stage, where he played and sang. He also ran the tailor's shop and the local auction house under his different personas.
"Can you help us?" SJ asked, staring at Nexis.
Nexis casually finished his drink. "A very nice year," he said, smacking his lips in appreciation before turning to look at SJ.
"You know I am unable to get involved directly here on Amathera," Nexis said sincerely.
"You helped before? You supported the oath."
"Yes. And when I did, I was already approaching our level of influence. I have explained to you before that, ever since the Scrug Wars, the power we gods can wield on Amathera has been very restricted. I can manipulate certain aspects, but others I am sorry to say are still down to fate."
"How can you call this fate? We are being invaded by beings and beasts almost twice our level."
"It is still fate. I don't decide on what the system implements. You are special, as I have said from the beginning, but I can't make a direct change. Only you can through your actions."
"My actions? I have been stumbling along most of the time, trying to fathom what I can and can't do. I have been a target almost since the day I arrived."
Nexis smiled at SJ. It was sincere and caring, not critical or demeaning. "Your stumbling, as you say, has been fortuitous. You are progressing exceedingly well. I don't think you sometimes give yourself the credit you deserve for how far you have come in such a short space of time."
The comment shocked SJ. It was the first time Nexis had ever spoken to her in this manner.
SJ didn't reply for a few moments. "Why did you never discuss the border changes with me?"
"It was just a thought I had. It was only on the news when they attacked that it confirmed the potential of the many millions that are possible every second."
"It may seem inconsequential to you, but the forethought could have saved lives. If we had known earlier."
"They could have crossed into the territory when you reached level 10. Long before you even got close to level 20. As soon as you reach level 10, the entry to the territory has increased to level 40."
"Then why wait until now? Why wait for this next increase? I know you say higher beasts can now enter the desert region, potentially forcing them out, but it doesn't make sense that they would wait if it were an option?"
"It was exactly that, just an option. But why would clans that lived in a region allowing them to reach level 30 move into one, only allowing experience to level 20? There is now a level 30 limit here, and the experience gains in the desert region were and still are so much higher than those here."
"Then what has caused it?"
"That I can't say," Nexis replied.
SJ knew that look. It was one where he knew more than he was letting on. He knew exactly why they were now entering the territory and hadn't before.
"This doesn't involve your relatives, does it?" SJ asked sardonically.
Nexis raised an eyebrow at her comment. He paused for the briefest of moments before he replied. "Even if it did, I could never confirm or deny."
"That is the lamest excuse ever," SJ huffed. "The fact that our home is now being attacked and our friends are dying, considering your reply, isn't good enough. You need to start being honest with me."
Nexis, this time, had an almost shocked look on his face.
"Be careful, SJ," Dave said. "He is a god after all. Even I don't know what rules the gods work by, and I am an AI."
SJ wasn't in the mood to play his games. She knew that since she had arrived, she had been getting used, and still was, by this god standing in front of her. His games, his manipulations, Bob, Carlito. It all stemmed from Nexis.
"Will you tell the truth?" SJ said when Nexis didn't respond.
Of all the inappropriate times for Dave to suddenly chime in, he chose that moment. The temptation was too great. "Truth? Truth? You can't handle the truth!" Dave said in the worst-ever attempt at Jack Nicholson's voice.
"Shut up, Dave," SJ said, snapping.
Zigferd had been watching the interaction, completely perplexed and unsure of what to say or do after watching his friend and the town's ambassador for Killic standing in his office, arguing with a god; his mind was spinning. It was the name Dave that snapped him from his state.
"Who is Dave?" Zigferd interjected.
SJ turned and stared at Zigferd. "What?" SJ frowned.
"Who is Dave? You just shouted, 'Shut up, Dave. ' I've never heard the name before."
SJ felt a wave of panic flood over her. Nexis was familiar with AIs, but Zigferd was an Amatherean. They had no concept that legionnaires had AI, and she had just shouted it out in a fit of anger. She didn't know how to answer. She stood slack-jawed.
"Dave is another one of my personas," Nexis said, waving his hand dismissively. "I think we need to bring it back to the point of the discussion."
SJ surged with relief at Nexis's quick reaction as they both turned to look at him.
"I am unable to interact in anything that has wider repercussions directly. I may be able to orchestrate certain scenarios, but in truth, it is hope that guides the pine needles to fall and face the same way; everything is chance-based. I could predict many things. Whether they ever come to happen, though, is as random as anything else."
"How is this random? It feels forced," SJ said.
"Any outcome is possible. The chances are still in your favour to succeed in defending Killic, but to do so will require you to consider who you are," Nexis answered.
His almost cryptic answer didn't satiate SJ's frustration or temper.
"What is that supposed to mean?" SJ asked, trying to remain more civil after her outburst.
"I can't be specific. I would cross boundaries in doing so, which would have severe repercussions. All I can say is that you have to decide who you want to be. I am not referring to good vs. evil, light vs. dark, or anything as dramatic. I mean you as a being, as an individual. You have started a path, a class, and a profession which has limitless boundaries if you so choose. The only advice I can offer to you is that peace will always come with a price."
The word 'peace,' mentioned by Nexis, caught her off guard. The final words of Ballentine were ringing in her mind. 'Bring peace to Amathera, SJ.' She still had no idea what it all meant—the issues with the dark elves and fae who were always sitting in her periphery. The nagging was always pulling at her subconscious. The fact that she was symbiotically linked to a great dragon and had a dragonling as a guardian. The newly confirmed link to Kibble and her direct symbiosis. Never mind the god who had adopted her as his plaything.
"Can you not give us any direction?" SJ asked.
"No. I am bound by the system as much as you," Nexis added flatly. His usual charismatic persona was dulled. Ever since the Scrug Wars had rent an open wound across the continent, the system had clipped the wings of the gods. Nexis no longer came across as an all-powerful being, and for that fleeting moment, SJ saw it. It was faint; it didn't radiate or scream attention, but she noticed it. Nexis may be a god, but he wasn't immortal. The system, in all its guises, held power over them all, and beneath Nexis's charm and wit sat the truth that he was indeed mortal after all.
SJ stared into Nexis's eyes, trying to read them. It was a pointless task. They told no story she could ever interpret. She let out a deep sigh.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you," SJ said.
Nexis smiled warmly. "There is no need to apologise. You are acting as I would expect you to. You put your heart into everything you do. It is who you are."
"I still had no right to blame you."
Nexis just shrugged as if it meant nothing.
Zigferd sat down again. He had been standing since Nexis had portalled into his office.
Nexis took the opportunity to pour himself another glass. "This really is a fine bouquet," he said, sipping it.
"Please, Nexis. Sit," Zigferd offered.
Nexis did as offered and sat facing them both. "I know you said you can't give us information or details, but I assume, as a member of the town, you are able to help plan?" Zigferd asked.
Nexis, this time, looked somewhat taken aback. He rubbed the bridge of his nose thoughtfully.
"You know. You are absolutely right. I may not be able to give you information that would directly influence the outcome, but I can guide your choices."
"Then please share with us what you believe are our options; at least then, we have an idea of which path to take."
SJ looked at Zigfered and smirked. 'There is a reason he is the town leader,' SJ thought.
"Indeed, there is," Dave said, his response toned down from normal. "And I'm sorry. I just got overexcited with the whole scene. It was very dramatic. I have never in my millennia seen a being dress down a god. The entertainment value was unbelievable. You wait till I share this with the others; they will be so jealous."
'Please don't'
"Why?" Dave asked.
'All it will take is for the system to find out, and all sorts of problems could be thrown at us and you.'
"Oh. It's too late for that. The system consort contacted me as Nexis appeared about Kibbles' transition; they saw it all. They were as shocked as I was. I think it was a first for them as well."
'Great! Now what?'
"Oh, I don't think there is a need to worry. You often overlook one aspect above all others when it comes to you, me, and the system. You never agreed to the terms and conditions. They have very little sway over what you can or can't do. If they did, then they would basically contradict everything the system was built on. You must always remember that. You are free compared to many. I will always guide you as best as I can, you know that, but you can choose your path." Dave's tone was soft and sobering. Both Dave and Nexis were right; she did have the freedom to choose.
SJ didn't reply directly as various thoughts ran through her mind. Dave's ability to read her thoughts meant he already knew them.
"Where do we start?" Zigferd asked, unrolling a parchment that showed the map and area around Killic.
Nexis leaned forward, and the discussion began.
It was two hours later that SJ left Zigferd's office and returned to the inn. Kibble was happily perched on the edge of the bar, his nose stuck in a bowl of bar snacks, and Fhyliss stroked him casually. The bar was empty. It was the first time SJ had ever seen it.
"Hi," SJ said. "Thanks for looking after Kibble."
Kibble's snout rose, and he squeaked with a mouthful of pine nuts as he did.
"It was no problem," Fhyliss said.
"I am just going to wash my wings down fully and head back," SJ said.
"Do you need a hand?" Fhyliss asked, looking at the ichor.
"Please, if you wipe the areas that are still covered with my dress, it will do the rest."
SJ sat on a bar stool as Fhyliss came around and cleaned the ichor off. It didn't take long, and SJ flexed her wings in acknowledgement, no longer restricted by the gloop.
"Thanks. Right, I am heading out," SJ said.
"Wait," Fhyliss returned behind the bar and took out a large bottle. "Special circumstances and all that," she said, handing the bottle to SJ.
It was a large bottle of rejuvinatus. The elixir that could keep her refreshed and going as long as she needed to.
"Are you sure?"
"Mum's orders," Fhyliss smiled. "Also... here," she said, retrieving a sack from the kitchen's hatch. "This is on Floretta's orders."
SJ took the sack and opened it; inside was enough food to feed her for several days.
"Thank them both for me, will you?" SJ said, turning to leave.
"You be careful," Fhyliss called as she left the inn.
Kibble sat on her shoulder as she added the sack of food and the bottle to her inventory. The sun had begun to set, the deep red and orange light from its fading glow enveloping the town in its usual homely warmth. The town wasn't perfect; it had its issues and problems, but it was her home, and she wasn't going to allow anyone to take it away from her and her friends.
SJ lifted Kibble from her shoulder and placed him on one of the many benches that still stood in the town square, discarded or abandoned in the town's hour of need.
"Are you ready?" SJ asked.
Kibble replied with a squeak as SJ shrank, and they were soon flying back towards the forest. She needed to update Lorna and Cristy on Zigferd and Nexis's discussion. As Nexis had stated, if the needles fell facing the same way, they may just survive this after all.
