Mark of the Fool

Chapter 786: The Turning Wheel of Faith

Alex Roth stood in Uldars viewing room, scratching his head, trying to grasp what had just happened. He looked from the symbol of Uldaron the floorto the high priest of the god of Thameland, whod thrown it there.

Had he really just done that?

He would have thought Tobias would be devastated: when Merzhin had found Uldar dead in his throne room, and later learned what hed done to his own people, the young Saint had come close to breaking, close to falling into despair at the truth of what his beloved god actually was. Theresa and Grimloch had said that when the First Apostle had seen Uldars lifeless form, his mind had snapped.

Alex had expected the high priestthe highest living authority representing the church besides the Saintto react in a similar way. But, the mans face showed not the slightest trace of anything but anger.

The General of Thameland wasnt alone in his surprise.

Tobias? Errol asked. What have you done, have you lost your mind?

Are you alright? the king asked.

High priest? Merzhin asked.

The old holy man was snarling, pushing himself to his feet with blazing eyes fixed on Uldars image. I am more than alright. I am clear.

Then speak clearly! Errol demanded. You're not making any sense!

Aren't I? Tobias glared at the court wizard. I think I'm the only one making sense, its the world thats gone mad! He gestured to Uldars image. I have dedicated sixty-five years of my life to a god that meant to kill us! Sixty-five years! Do you know what that means, how much I've given up? How much Ive sacrificed? What I found myself doing to rise to power in the church?

His eyes flashed. The priesthood can be a pit of vipers, my old friends. Politics, backstabbing, betrayal, and I tolerated all of it to climb up in an organisation that served our so-called god. I've had to compromise my own morals time and time again to reach my position, but that has developed a practicality in me. Ive done all of that, but you know what truly angers me? I was deceived. I truly believed that Uldar was good: that he was great! That we mortals fell short of his divine magnificence, his altruism, and his vast heart. But no, instead, I find that he was no better than any of usperhaps even worse. And I have to ask myself, what does that make me?

He hissed. There are things I've done to both men and women whom Ive called friendsthings that I will not dare to utterthings I did in the name of my own position, and what I thought was for the greater good. My only solace was confessing to Uldar in the stillness of night. Seeking his hidden guidance, listening for signs. Now, I learn that hes long dead, and likely would not have cared even if he wasalive. He has wronged all of us. Andfor the first timethe practicality born in me through my journey, will serve me well. Why should my heart break if a god is false and not worthy of our worship?

His jaw tensed. If our god seeks to poison us, then we must find a new deity. This Traveller seems eager to fill the role, but I wish to know more about her. That is why I have asked the question of the new General of our homeland.

He looked at Alex. Tell me more about her.

Ill be glad to, Alex said. Butit's gonna take a bit to explain everything weve learned about her. Maybe you want to take some time to think things over? I mean, it's none of my business, but you probably just had the biggest shock of your life maybe it's not the best idea to jump into the arms of another deity so soon?

I beg to differ, Tobias countered. Under normal circumstances, I might agree with you. But these circumstances are far from normal: our god has been in league with our enemy, truthfully, hes been our enemy, and now that enemy could be in possession of his corpse. We are going to need divine protection.

Alexs interest grew. Actually, that's something I'd like to ask you about. What could the Ravener do with Uldars body?

Everyone looked at the high priest.

I am curious about that as well, old friend, said Athelstan. I am uneasy at just the thought of the body of a god being in the hands of our greatest enemy, butyou have knowledge and divinity, can you tell us what it might be able to do with it?

Tobias paused, frowning. To be honest, I am not sure of why it could want itbut I do know that there is a potential danger.

And what's that? Athelstan asked.

He looked up at Uldars image. Faith is power, your majesty. At least, when it comes to divine beings. No mortal knows exactly how it all works, but belieftrue beliefin a deity empowers them. It empowered Uldar, obviously. However, faith can generate miracles, even with no deity present. There have been written accounts all throughout history of situations where enough people believed in a cause or philosophy to such an extent, that a form of divinity was created. If you look at the earlier entries that young Alex showed us, you can see it in action: even if Uldar was mortal at one time, after he convinced the people that he had visions of the future, he ceased to be mortal once enough of them believed in his divine might. Their belief transformed him.

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But yet, he's now dead, the king pointed out.

But people have never stopped believing in him, because every hundred years, the Ravener returns, sowing fear, making them continue to pray to him, Tobias said. Thameish faith pours into these halls, drawn by what Uldar symbolises. People believe that the god of Thameland sits on his throne, watching over us, and so faith is still drawn to that body and throne. Essentially, it just might be that this place and Uldars corpse and throne have become the focus of Thamelands faith.

He looked around. That is also why I sense divinity within these halls, and that the divine energy is being drained away. I believe that its streaming away, seeking to rejoin its symbols: Uldars throne and his body.

Wait, Drestra suddenly interrupted him. Do you mean to say that the Ravener has access to Uldars divinity, since it's flowing to his body and chair?

Everyone seemed to hold their breaths, waiting for the high priests answer.

Quite possibly, Tobias said. I do not know if it has a way to channel that divinitybut it is a construct made by Uldar himselfso it could be possible.

And that's why you say we need a deity, Alex murmured. In case the Raveners able to take control of that power.

Which could mean that no army we can muster would be able to stop it, Tobias said. But, again, that is a suppositionand maybe a thin one. A priest can draw on some of Uldars divine energy, but the ability to take all of it and turn it into a devastating forcemight only be theoretically possible. Only theoretically.

When Roal slayed the god Oreca at Orecas Fall Island, Professor Jules said. No one was able to use his body as a source of apocalyptic power. And people did tryespecially his priests.

I am not familiar with that particular deity, butagain, the theory is thin, Tobias said. It could be that the Ravener is claiming the body and throne for the connection to its creator. Or it could be that it has some alchemical design for them, but that is outside my area of expertise.

In any case, Tobias said. Tell me more about the Traveller.

I see, the high priest was deep in thought when hed heard more about Hannah. Alex had begun his tale by recounting the ancient Saints struggle against the Ravener, and telling them about Kelda, then hed talked about the hidden church kidnapping Carey, her death, and what had happened at Uldars Rise when shed returned.

The other Heroes then told them about stories theyd heard about soldiers being protected by some unseen force during battle. Professor Jules spoke of the miracles in Generasi, and how they were connected to folk who were either believers in the Traveller before theyd received a miracle, or after.

The high priest, court wizard, and king had listened intently.

Tobias spoke first.

It would seem that this Traveller has opposed the evil in Thameland for a very long time, he said. The Saint of Alric has been caring for our people well before her death, and continues even after it.

I draw teleportation power from her, Alex told him. One thing I know for sure is that he paused, reliving a dark memory. When I nearly died at the hands of the First Apostle, my soul was closer to her in the after-world. In that time, I was able to do things with teleportation that I still havent been able to repeat since Merzhin healed me. If she gets strong enough to return as a demigoddess, there's no telling how much stronger my teleportation could become.

Tobias looked at the king. Your majesty, I have an idea. I do believe that we could use the help of this Traveller in our struggle against the Raveners full power. Might I suggest that we take certain steps? What if I were to have conversations with the priesthood telling them that the Saint of Alric has been elevated by Uldar, and that she is aiding us directly in our conflict? When they then minister to soldiers and others, they can lead themeven mercenaries who are not from hereto pray to her, spreading the word and giving her new followers.

King Athelstan raised his eyebrows. All of this is a lot to take in at one time, I will need a chance to consider everythiBut He shook his head. Time is fleeting and you are the arbiter of our faith, Tobiaswherever that takes us. I trust your judgement in these matters as it does not seem to be clouded by useless sentiment.

Tobias Jay bowed. Thank you, my king. He turned to Alex. I must ask that you communicate with me should you have contact with the Traveller. Its important for us to measure her growth as a demigoddess so we can judge the progress of our plan.

I will, Alex said.

Good, Tobias said.

So, what do we do now? King Athelstan asked. Our priority should be finding the Ravenerbut we have nowhere to begin.

I'd suggest that we review Uldars records more thoroughly, Errol said. It could be that we missed something.

Meanwhile, we have to find a way to eliminate the menace he created. All of this will be for nothing if we cannot find a way to destroy it forever, Professor Jules said.

Will the Generasians accept that? the king sounded worried. Will they not want the flow of dungeon core essence to continue?

Let us worry about that, Profesor Jules said.

I will trust you then, the king looked at everyone present. We have been united by this terrible secret, and now we have the great burden of figuring out what we must do with it. Responsibility will lay heavy on our heads. I want you all to know that you have my full support: any resources or anything that I can do to bring us closer to success, I will do it.

He looked at Alex. Forgive me, Alexander, but might I see your new Mark? You told us that you transformed it in a former Heros sanctum?

I did, and Ill be happy to show you, Alex opened his shirt, revealing the Mark glowing on his shoulder.

It is as you say, you are now the General of Thameland, Athelstan said. What are your plans, then? Will you reveal your new station to others?

Honestly, I don't know, Alex said. No one knows anything about any General in our kingdom.

Leave that to me, Tobias said. The same time that I speak of the Travellers influence and aid in this battle, I will also mention that the Fool was transformed by Uldar into a new Hero to help settle the ongoing conflict. We will plant the necessary seeds. That little tidbit will gain the support of the people and the church. At the same time, I will also continue unearthing members of the secret church still buried within our ranks.

Thank you, Alex said. And while youre doing that, I'll be helping to make the Heroes stronger, and Ill keep fighting for Thameland against whatever the Ravener throws at us. With Professor Jules and the rest of the research team, well keep looking for how to stop it for good. Uldar isnt winning this time!

It'll be good to have you back with us, Mr. Roth. Professor Jules said.

He smiled at her. Thanks, professor. Weve got a lot of work to do.

Then let's not waste any more time, the king said. We are united. Let us end the traitorous gods sins against us.

I'll do my part, Alex said. And to do it, Ill need to go home for a while.

To Alric? the king asked.

No. Alex shook his head, and he couldnt help but smile. It had been much too long. To Generasi.