Book 3. Chapter 22: Sacrifice

Book 3. Chapter 22: Sacrifice

As they went through the forest, Jake saw that there were hundreds of corpses on the ground, of many beasts and avian beastkin. He could see how sorrowful Tanda was seeing them all, and Bloodberri looked downhearted. There was simply no way she could resurrect all of these people, and Jake was overwhelmed at how many had died.

The party eventually arrived near a clearing at the top of a hill, and Jake could tell that an epic battle had taken place. Shreds of wood from trees being shattered were everywhere, blood was all over the grass. Corpses lined the ground, and Jake saw the head of a massive werewolf, and a set of legs not far from it.

As they entered the clearing, a massive stag covered in plants came out from behind a tree. Jake could feel the massive amount of vigor and life coming from it, as well as a calming effect. He felt something special coming from the creature, reminding him of divinity. It was the force of nature and abundance, the power of life.

The creature gave a small bow to Jakes party, and his party returned it. It smiled, surprising Jake.

Tanda said, I dont think hes there right now, but Cernunnos used this creature, almost like a Champion, but different. He called this his beast avatar.

Jake nodded. From what he understood, gods and goddesses had all sorts of ways that they could use their divinity. Small amounts of themselves could be used to make paladins and priestesses or their many equivalents.

They could also break off fundamental aspects of their being and a little more energy, and create beings such as the one in front of Jake.

A Champion was a little more than a being that had much more of that energy. They had a much larger piece, or spark, than most of the others. As far as Jake understood it, as each of these pieces were raised in tier or taken efforts to grow it, the entity would become closer to the god, carrying more and more divine energy.

A higher tier priestess through growing the small spark given to them could in fact channel calling their god like Jake does now, but likely at Tier 3 or so, depending.

The god or goddesses divinity could also be used to create and seed a world with a race often, many gods or goddesses within the same pantheon would mix them, to have a more varied one. Hestia by herself could create a race of fire people, that matched her nature.

They would be predisposed to worshiping her, resonating better with her than standard humans ever could. The cost was significant for a single god or goddess, however. Most likely, the beastkin were originally created using this method: by several members of the Celtic pantheon.

But losses on other worlds led to the Celtic pantheon being targeted, and Cernunnos significantly weakened. There was even betrayal by some members, and he had nearly been killed for good, them sending the black dragon to finish the job before this world could join the Framework, it appeared. Jake knew that likely many of their Gods or Goddesses were killed.

This world that was likely to be their bastion of safety, of the most devout beings, but they ended up being changed and cursed. The beastkin no longer precisely resonated with them, but of course, they were still close.

The stag made a strange bleating sound, and many beasts appeared, coming out of hiding. There were the heroic beasts that aided Tanda in her victory, and what Jake thought were younger, or not as strong versions of them. The mood was somber, however, and he wondered what was going on.

There were other creatures as well, but they did not approach, just watching from their near hiding positions. As if to witness what was about to happen.

Tanda was perplexed as well, but Bloodberri looked sad. He listened to their thoughts, and learned that she had an idea what was going on. Jake wasnt sure he liked it.

The four younger beasts walked in front of Jake, and then kneeled down in front of him. All four of them were covered in plants and vines, like they were one with nature. They all had auril running through them, matching their heroic beasts. A stag, boar, hound, and lion, all of which were male.

The heroic stag had a flash of intelligence run through its eyes, and Cernunnos smiled with his too big flat teeth. This was the best reward we could give you, my friend. That you rightfully deserve, for saving me, for saving us. Balance must be restored between usThese children might die, but they die to go on protecting this world and many others, for all time. This is a sacrifice they are willing to make, to protect this world, to protect the balance, forever.

Jake frowned. He was about to argue that he didnt save them, that Tanda did. But he could feel what Cernunnos meant. That he was thankful for everything Jake had done for the beastkin, and even Tanda herself was saved by him calling the goddess originally.

That without every single effort him and his wives had made on Highlands, they would have already lost a fundamental aspect of themselves. If Jake had arrived and fought, and killed the Dreadbeast Champion, then Tanda may have never connected with him, and hed have instead faded away.

Jake wasnt sure how all this was conveyed, but he knew in his mind and in his heart that this was the truth. The girls all joined him in their understanding.

He also didnt like the implications of what Cernunnos said. That Jake was taking their place as the eternal protector of the world. However, he realized that with the conquest progress and ownership, that this was more or less already the case. Jake reached out with his staff towards the hound, and the creature did not so much as move in response, kneeling with its face down as it was.

Jake willed himself to cast the spell, [Capture Template], but his hands filled with sweat, his hands shaking. He found that he couldnt do it. That he was killing something that was sacrificing itself to him, so full of life and intelligence It felt like slaying a familys dog for a meal if you were starving. Except, Jake wasnt so sure he needed these creatures, beasts as they were; he wasnt yet starving.

Cernunnos laughed. You truly are a gentle soul. These creatures are not just dying today: They are also being reborn! This is not some platitude that I am feeding you, this is the truth. How could it be a reward or gift, unless it was somehow different? You could just capture any of these creatures anytime if that were the case. Many of them exist across Highlands. No, you will find that these creatures are not the same as your usual ones, despite using [Capture Template] to obtain them. You could think of them like beast paladins or druids. Or, if youre talking about Tartarus, a Boss-level monster.

Jake sighed. He willed himself to capture the hound once more, and managed to cast the spell. There was no resistance from the creature at all, and the light quickly formed them into cubic lights. When the spell completed, Jake did feel that it was somehow different; that more was captured than usual. Ira perked up, and he thought that it could somehow sense where it was within him that their souls were going.

Cernunnos smiled once more. You can feel it, cant you? These are not sacrificial lambs, these are warriors and protectors! They will continue to protect, forevermore! Just which protector of the land, wouldnt choose to be able to protect it forever? To protect their children, their childrens children, and so on, helping them thrive forevermore.

Jake continued, capturing the remaining three. Jakes girls were sad, as even though it appeared these creatures would live on in some way, he was still taking them away from their homes for his purposes.

It is done! We four do thank you, Jake. We look forward to your story as it unfolds. I cant say much, but you know the heart is important. If you lose it, even if you win the conquest, the world will be as good as destroyed. Take care of her, will you?

Jake frowned. Her?

Tanda laughed. The heart of the world is Cernunnos and Brigids daughter! Well do our best to protect her.

Jake asked, She got a name?

Cernunnos shook his head. A nascent divinity, she is to decide on her own name. She is young yet, and hasnt. She can watch out for herself somewhat with us to protect her, but do take care to look out for her. You also cant keep that cave blocked forever. She needs to breathe into the nearby lands eventually! Take care, Clan Hart.

Cernunnos left the stag, and it along with the remaining heroic beasts went back into hiding.

Tanda looked down at the corpses sadly. Berri, could you resurrect my clan mother? Aisling really changed the tide of the battle.

Berri said, Sure! Ill get started. Let me know who else to resurrect.

She cast the spell on a crow woman, who, in spite of being dead, had an expression of laughter on her face, even though she was nearly carved in half. Just what kind of person?

She raised up as she was bathed in Berris holy light, her body being healed in the process.

She stood, and her eyes started looking around, them still open when she died. Aisling saw Tanda and Bloodberri right away.

Clan-daughter! I knew youd make it. Oh! Arent you a large one? Im Aisling! Thank you for your help, miss?

Tanda looked worried. I Really dont like that, Jake. They did some heinous acts under the name of their gods the last time.

Ophelia added, That was their ancestors, though, Tanda. These people are different, they understand what they did was wrong. It appears that they still believe in their gods and would strive to serve them should they appear, however, so we had to try to take advantage of that.

Tanda looked sad. I know that, but

Jake continued, They have a much more benevolent goddess to serve this time, and the Framework is going to prevent there from being real trouble. I think if we didnt introduce ourselves this way, theyd have stayed in their cave, waiting for the dragons to return, or even attacked us. On their wall were two murals, or foretelling, they called it. One where they fight alongside dragons to kill the other beastkin, and one where they fight alongside the above ground beastkin and 2 dragons against an unseen threat.

I suppose if I had to pick one

Jake smiled. At least this way, they can be pointed towards doing some good, and rejoining their brethren. I think we may have luck converting any of the other underground tribes, too. While I dont think this tribe here was very large, the one near Kenwodi, was. They will be recruiting at a much more rapid pace.

Tanda looked hopeful. I suppose that is good news. It makes some sense that the underground tribe near my flock here were quite small. We would have long since noticed if the balance was being disturbed to feed many underground here. These people were likely strategically placed just for this purpose, and suffered or struggled because of it.

Jake grinned. Besides, I get the feeling that if it isnt in serving their gods, these people are kind of lazy. That place reminded me of a college dorm after a party, I could smell all the alcohol and sex there.

A college is a place of learning? Why would that be one where people commit acts of hedonism?

Ill explain later sometime. So, the plan is for us to gather our forces within the next three days for our assault on the Alliance HQ. Well have Rookards wolf pack, your flock, and the reptile beastkin. Youll be the first ravenwolf to meet chieftain to chieftain among the beastkin and theirs in a thousand years.

Tanda looked a little excited. I will gather the elite among my flock. Im really looking forward to taking back the HQ. The conquest progress has been on an upward trend these past few days already.

They finished the resurrections and sending people back into the void of the framework late into the night, and Bloodberri looked tired as Jake landed in her backpack. Despite being tired, she was happy to finally have him back in his place. They began to head towards Harmony Peaks, where they would either stay for the night or portal back to their Refuge. Aisling had already headed home a while back, and it was just Jakes party.

Tanda said to her, Thank you so much, Bloodberri. My people really appreciate your effort.

Berri said, Oh, no problem, Tanda! I really like that moment where they wake up. They are always so confused, its cute!

Blood said, I have to stop her from scaring them sometimes. Though, I wonder if I could say they are in the afterlife, and I am their new goddess? Or maybe that I will grant them 3 wishes, just to see what they would say?

Jake frowned. Since when are you wanting to play pranks on others, Blood?

Blood smiled. Ive warmed up to it. But it was just a funny thought I had. I dont think Ill ever be acting on it, like a certain someone might. Why, that behavior is not very fitting of a champion, or someone whos old enough to be a great-grandmother.

Fhesiah couldnt help but respond over their bond, [Hey now, thats not fair! Ive been working my tail off over here too, you know!]

Tanda laughed as she flew through the air, following along with Ophelia. I take it that great-grandmother is the dragon woman, somehow? Clan Hart is an interesting clan! You all seem to have quite a bit of fun together.

Ophelia nodded. We really do. When were not fighting or training, we often play a lot together back at the refuge.

Tanda frowned. Refuge? Whats that?

Ophelia laughed. Its our home. We can reach it from anywhere, with the portal. Its kind of like our own magic castle, that we can get to from anywhere? We have training rooms, a shrine to Hestia, a large lake, our crafting rooms, everything we need. We should show it to you!

Tanda perked up. Oh, a shrine! That all sounds amazing. I require visiting a shrine before I become an auril hero.

Ophelia asked, What did you require that for? We have one to Hestia I suppose we could make another, cheaply enough? What do you think, Jake?

I think itd be fine, right? For Cernunnos?

For Brigid. I need to become her Druid.

Blood added, It looks like that requires a ritual. It seems similar to what Berri went through to become a priestess of Hestia. Paladins give their oath, and Priestesses take vows to worship. For Druids, it looks like they do vows, but they sing and dance, as well. I would much like to see this.

Berri added, Me too! Oh, Tanda has such a good singing voice, and I did enjoy your dance!

[I will definitely have to see this. Im in the lab now, but I will want to join! ]

Tanda said, I think Ophelia and you have excellent singing voices too, Berri.

Jake said, You can visit our refuge, Tanda. Its pretty late, though, are you going to stay the night? We can do our songs, and you can do your ritual to Brigid.

I Will think about staying overnight. I can always go back through the portal? I have to start flying back to Kenwodi with my flock, or heading towards the HQ to meet for the assault as soon as possible, no?

Jake nodded. This is true, but a few hours later wouldnt hurt. The energy density in our refuge should be quite high. It should help you recuperate quite a bit for your flight.

Ophelia added. Oh, it should be a lot of fun! Im glad that you might be joining us! What movie should we watch, Jake?

Jake chuckled. Itd be her first, so we have to start her off slow. Maybe we should start her off with one weve already seen?

Balloon movie!

Ophelia said, That might be a little too confusing for her. The one where the young man retrieves the star for his beloved is a much better one to start!

Blood added, Im not a big fan of it, but there is supposed to be a lot of song and dance in that one with the talking snowman and the ice princess. It might be a good start for her to get used to humans and movies.

Jake knew she was right, but was a little concerned about there being a new movie that was watched over and over in his house.