Of course.

Well, there is no point refusing to help my patron god or his priest. Mars awarded me a grand victory today, the least I could do in return is help to honor him.

I follow the priest into the huge temple flooded in reddish torchlight. We enter one of the back rooms, where I’m seated on a marble throne. Not knowing what’s going on, I go with the flow, letting four priests spray fragrant oils on me, and chant prayers.

After a while, it seems the priests are finally finished. They all kneel before me and bow their heads. The eldest priest, who brought me here, speaks.

“Thank you, Great Mars for joining our humble festival.”

I look over my shoulder, finding nothing. It seems the words were directed at me. Hmm, perhaps these guys had too much wine or are trying to play a joke. Or could it really be one of their customs? Looking back at the still kneeling priests I finally respond.

“I’m not Mars.”

The head priest smiles at me.

“Of course you aren’t, General.”

Good, I was starting to doubt his sanity. “But Mars is in you tonight.” The priest continued. “It is absolutely certain! I saw your battle. As soon as you came close, I felt him in you. And the feeling was stronger than I ever experienced. The Great Mars joins us in your shape tonight!”

I have never heard anything like this before, but this is a priest, a head priest even. If he says so, it must be true. I bow my head in agreement.

“Gods are in your feelings John Doe. You must not restrain yourself with customs and rules today. Do not restrain the Great Mars. Tonight, you must follow your feelings and feelings only. No matter what they tell you to do. You must promise me this.”

That sounds pretty good to me. “I promise.”

The priest kneels again. “Great Mars, we have prepared a performance tonight. Please, let us present it in your honor.”

I make an open gesture. “Lead the way.”