The Gathering Storm

Author's Note: This chapter was... difficult, hence how short it is. I'm not a fan of it, but something something, 'the show must go on.'

It was only a few days after sending out letters to his potential religious allies that Ahsch got responses. The Bikullanians were intrigued, though hesitant to fully support such a new cult, and asked for more details about what goods and services they could expect to be selling. The Krutunites were likewise reluctant to get involved, though their response indicated that, should there be proof of Irztonite dishonor, they would be more amenable to cooperation.

It was the Children of Kakais and the Order of Utsus where things became interesting. Taking a gamble, Ahsch had addressed his letter to the Order of Utsus directly to A'uro, and signed it as 'Lord Odestag.' However, in the letter itself, he referenced their conversation back after the first service that had been held at the Temple of Enochiel. It was little surprise that the High Priestess of Utsus came calling personally. Using Avery as a screen, Ahsch confirmed that A'uro could be trusted, checking her bonds from the next room over and finding that she lacked any that implied she would certainly give up Ahsch's reincarnation. When he walked in, the mouse-girl was understandably shocked, but listened to his explanation - which was a heavily-edited version of events, meant to make her think that Enochiel had resurrected Ahsch - and agreed to build support for their confrontation with the Church of Irzton and the Order of Orror. After all, neither of those religions tended to share philosophical leanings with the Order of Utsus.

The response from the Children of Kakais was quite strange, however. A Shepherd, one of the highest members of their order, came and requested to see the Prophet of Enochiel. The Shepherd was a quiet, serene woman, and when she pushed back her deep hood, Ahsch and Avery, who were receiving her, were shocked.

"You're a shaid," the hrafthi gasped.

The Shepherd gave a single, calm nod. "I remain cloistered within Kakais' Temple, seeing to the internal affairs of the Children," she said, her voice soft, yet carrying an undercurrent of strength. "There are few who know of us, and even fewer who do not disdain our existence."

Avery grunted, downing a significant portion of the bottle of rum in her hand. "Mostly the fuckin' Irztonites," she grumbled, before narrowing her eyes at the Shepherd. "Didn't know there were any others in the Kingdom, let alone the Capital."

A slight incline of the head answered the royal. "That is hardly surprising - my seclusion is meant to keep my existence secret."

"Then I have to ask why you're here," Ahsch said.

"Because Kakais requested I assist you, mortal who would become a god."

Both Odestags tensed, and the Shepherd raised a hand. "The Soulwarden informed me of your conversation," she explained, "And requested that, should you seek the aid of the Children, I do what I can to render assistance."

"So you'll help?" Avery asked.

Another calm nod. "I have two ways to do so. The first is our backing, should the situation with the Church of Irzton and Order of Orror escalate. The second is knowledge: the Church of Irzton has in its possession a Godslayer, sealed within their vaults, though they claim otherwise."

Again, the husband and wife stiffened. "What do you mean?" Ahsch asked.

"The religious orders are required to submit inventories of their vaults to the ruling family; the Church has neglected to include their Godslayer, instead claiming it to be an ornamental item of religious significance. A soul from decades ago possessed knowledge contrary to that claim. I believe that this Godslayer is the selfsame one which was used against you, 'Prophet of Enochiel,' though I cannot prove it as of now."

Ahsch thought for a moment. "Would you be willing to include that evidence should we end up in a case against the Irztonites? Or to share that tidbit with the Krutunites? It might not convince them, but maybe it would prevent them from supporting the Church or the Orrorists should things get that far."

The Shepherd nodded slowly. "I am, and I shall. If there is nothing else, then I shall depart. It was a pleasure to meet you... Enochiel."

She left, and it was only after she was gone that Ahsch and Avery realized they hadn't even thought to ask her name.

It was only another day later that things suddenly sped up. With the confirmed support of two religious allies, the likely backing of the Bikullanians, and the Krutunites unlikely to get in the way, Ahsch was confident in the Order of Enochiel's positioning against the Church of Irzton and the Order of Orror. So when the reports came back that all of the Odestag troops were in position and ready to move, Ahsch knew it was time.

With the whole of the inner circle assembled, they went over everyone's role one last time. "Avery, Ariin, Mahat, and myself will hit their headquarters along with my angels," Ahsch said. "Meanwhile, Butler and Dorin will coordinate with the troops and report in if anything goes sideways. Elui will stay with Kirasiel and Stella here in the suite, with the elite Odestag troops for protection. Once our strike is complete, my group will immediately request an audience with the royal family, and Kirasiel will join us. We'll present our case against Byrdrek and Fauna, and present all the evidence that we've gathered. The Shepherd should join us there as well - though I'm not sure how she'll know when to do it... but I have the feeling we won't be waiting up on her." Looking around, he met everyone's gazes. "Any questions?"

There were none.