Page 42 of The Gods Veiling
The only option we have, the only one given to us, was to follow along like good little desperate wannabe gods and do as we’re told.
Ugh. It drives me insane being bossed around just for the hell of it.
My eyes blink rapidly as the lighting changes from the bright white of that room to the dimly lit narrow hallway we’re entering. The path is big enough for us to walk two at a time.
I shove Garish out of my way so Lambrit stays at my side, and we can walk ahead of the rest of them. Some sort of ungodly groan sounds behind me, but I act as though I didn’t hear a thing.
That same uncomfortable pull against my skin crawls all over me as we turn off the hall and enter another room that’s bigger than my house. The shock startles me, but what almost trips me up is the crowd of people standing in here like they’ve been waiting for our arrival.
I know good and well we aren’t about to be tested in front of people.
“Chosen,” the High Chancellor booms and we all stand up a little straighter.
“In this room, the Volreen will perform your first two tests. Your first test is the Designation Revelation. Godsden is built on a societal structure that hasbeen perfected by the gods. Each area of focus plays an intricate part in our godly region running smoothly. You will be tested for all six Designations, but one will weigh heavier than the rest. That will be your dominant Designation and where the majority of your focus will be. The rest will fall secondary, third, and so on.
“The Defenders. The role is self-explanatory, but for your benefit, I will explain. Individuals who test higher in this Designation typically possess a defensive domain. One that will be composed of strength, possibly a strategic mindset, and most certainly the desire to protect the region. That is their job. Protect Godsden.”
Protect it from what?
“The Healers. This role in society is mostly medicinal. That is the most crucial part, but it is not always us gods that need to be healed. You’ll soon find many domains within this designation that you normally would not consider healing.
“The Plentiful. This is our broadest role. The gods within this structure ensure we have resources, substance, and prosperity. This can come in many forms, such as what you experienced on your trip here. The Goddess of Illusion is sacred within this Designation.
“The Guiders. Myself and my other Chancellors fall into this Designation. We are full of wisdom, history, and knowledge. We use our domains to guide and teach you all we can.
“The Rulers. In our society, we have laws and consequences that must be followed to ensure our balance isn’t broken. Those within this role hold the gods, all of them, and the Valories with the utmost regard. They make difficult decisions, lead, and do what is necessary for the region. Lastly, the Attendants.”
All our heads follow his outstretched arm as he gestures to the group of individuals in this room with us. Each of them looks like they’d rather be anywhere but here.
“The Attendants, although the lowest in our society, they play an essential part. They aren’t blessed with exorbitant power, but where their strength lies is taking care of those worthy enough for their services. That leads me into your second test. The Attendant Worthiness.
“The Volreen will decide if you are, in fact, a worthy recipient of an Attendant. Your Attendant’s domain and abilities will be revealed to you, and you may decide if they are worth your time. If you are worthy enough, and you chose to accept your Attendant, they will be in service to you for eternity. They answer to you. They become your responsibility.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
“Excuse me?”
The High Chancellor’s voice thunders around the room and the temperature drops below freezing. Some of the Chosen and Attendants flinch from the power behind his question before they all gawk at me.
Sweat breaks out on the back of my neck as I scan the onlookers, who are stunned on my behalf. I try my hardest to play it off when I finally face the High Chancellor, but it’s obvious I said that stupid shit louder than a breathy whisper.
“Explain yourself now, girl. You are?”
“Uh…”
“That is not a name.”
I quit flexing my fingers and stand statue-still as he rounds the Volreen. His robe flows behind him with his hurried steps and before I have time to gulp, he’s in my face.
“I will not repeat myself.”
“Thayla. Thayla Godrun.”
“What is the meaning of your outburst?”
“I…” I exhale sharply and collect all the courage or stupidity I have. I won’t be able to get out of this one. My bunched muscles relax, and I clear my voice.
Don’t get yourself killed five minutes in, Thayla.
