The Tide Sets In
In essence, the task was brutal; persecute the Vantha in the name of the seasonal gods. It did not matter whether they were innocent or guilty, the vantha were to be hunted and killed on sight.
“ That cannot be, why!?” Xen stared at the messenger, visibly confounded by what he just heard. “ The deities of summer, spring and fall have condemned the children of winter to death, ” Xen spoke out loud, his voice was laced with shock and trembled as he spoke. The various clicking insects seemingly agreed with Xen in the way they hastily buzzed and flew around him but could not relay their actual thoughts on the matter. The message was from Bala, Tavasi, and Sivah, who were very well-known gods even in the isolated corners of the Falyndar Region. And the messenger was Stu: acolyte of summer and priest of Sivah.
“ The Goddess of winter and ice refuses to continue her ancient duty. Do you think the toll is unjust? ” Stu raised an eyebrow at Xen, observing him and wondering where his allegiance lied in the situation. He would not tolerate standing and living in the presence of Morwen's and the Vantha's sympathizers because the wrath of the seasonal gods was extensive and cold. And he most certainly did not wish to be around to witness the anger of the divine.
“ No, I do not think that. I just want to know why ” Xen chose his words carefully. He respected the deific beings that resided above, below and all around him in unison with the transition and growth of the world around him. But the situation conflicted with what he believed and imaged in his mind. To Xen, the gods—except Siku—were perfect beings without flaw and blemish. He respected all that was deific and appreciated both the dark and light aspects they maintained. So to hear that a goddess was behaving irrationally—just as a reluctant youth would—shocked his foundations and skewed that which he respected.
“ Nothing is without imperfection... not even the gods, ” Xen thought while looking at Stu, who seemed to notice Xen's disappointment but remained adamant. “ This is all I can say, for now, Stranger. So if you have listened carefully, consider the message you just heard from me. ” Stu uttered to his viper dhani guest.
Xen nodded in understanding. He knew what the message was now or at least assumed he did know what Stu was telling him to do, which was to stop asking questions. Xen did not want to anger a messenger and priest of a god, incurring the wrath of beings far greater than he was would summon disaster and was the last thing he desired. So Xen parted from Stu, leaving the vibrate and magnetic man without uttering a goodbye or similar words. It was just too strange.
“ Morwen, what is so important that is requires you to sacrifice your children? ” Xen asked secretively within his thoughts because he did not have the audacity to openly voice the question.
