The Court of Seasons

You arrive the next day at a simple clearing in the vast forest. Ruka stops you before you can walk in. “This is it. We don’t have towns or cities here, but this is where the council meets. I can sense they are here, but I want you to understand what’s probably going to happen.”

You nod, and she continues. “The council is old, and insists upon certain traditions. You must speak alone, and the rest of us will wait here. I wouldn’t expect the welcome you got in human lands. The council has been isolationist for a long time.”

You nod. “I understand. I will take things as they come. I don’t intend to threaten or get angry, these are not my enemies.”

Ruka smiles. “Good. I’m glad Maya was right about you. I was worried that you might be thinking like an emperor, not a peacemaker.”

You smile. “I’ll probably never think like an emperor. I never wanted to be one in the first place.”

Ruka nods, clearly thinking about something. Then she leans in and kisses your cheek. “Good luck!”

You chuckle as she quickly retreats to the other girls, and smile at Maya giving her a thumbs up. Turning, you walk into the clearing. When you reach the center, you hear a voice, older and male.

“That’s far enough, human.”

From the trees surrounding the clearing steps several figures. You look around, seeing four elves, two male and two female, a dryad, a satyr, and finally, a large, furry creature you don’t recognize. It appears to be some kind of bear-human hybrid. It is also the source of the voice you heard, and it speaks again as it steps into the light of the clearing.

“We have heard word of your travels, Magus Josh. You seem to be building an empire. To what purpose?”

You nod. “I didn’t intend to build an empire. But the purpose...to start, the demon lord must be defeated, and I see no way of doing that without uniting those who fight against him.”

The bear man cocks his head. “But why? You’re not of this world. Why do you care?”

“Because almost every member of my family has a horror story. Some caused by humans, some caused by the demon lord. The humans are my problem now. The demon lord is everyone’s problem. I don’t want to hear more horror stories. I don’t want my children to go through what their mothers went through. I was given a gift with these powers, and I intend to use them to change things, make the world into what it could be.”

The bear man looks at you, crossing his arms. “Noble words. You might even mean them. But I see no reason to bind my people to your rule.”

You look at him curiously. “Your people? I thought this was a council? Who even are you?”

He grins. “For someone who looks to rule this land, you seem to lack important knowledge. My name is Koras.”

You look at him in confusion, and he laughs. “I am the god of the forest, little mage. I heard of your coming from a mutual acquaintance.”

“You what? Who?”

Koras shakes his bear like head. “No, I don’t think you’re ready to know all the secrets yet. And yes, I’m not the only god you’ve met. I know your thoughts, human. And if you want to know more of the gods, simply ask your ‘family’. I am not here to instruct you, I am here to protect my forest.”

You sigh. “This is a lot to take in. So, I assume our conversation is over?”

Koras nods. “Return to human lands, magus Josh. We will not join your empire, but we will fight alongside you should you face the demon lord. Good luck, you will need it. And should you prevail, I look forward to seeing what you create. Now go.”

With that, the council walks back into the trees. You turn and head back to the girls, and look at all of their surprised faces. You sigh.