Page 44 of The Gods Veiling
Through the crowd of Attendants, a kid—well, man, God, whatever he is—makes his way up. He’s shaking in his skin. Unlike the look of steel on Albert’s face, Cecil’s a little green in the cheeks and I’m fearful he might throw up in the Volreen.
“Cecil has a domain under the Goddess of Nature. His abilities are limited to growing herbs.”
Poor Cecil’s face turns from green to red and my hatred toward the High Chancellor deepens. How dare he stand up there and act like that’s not impressive? Like having the ability to grow anything is mediocre.
I think he just gets off acting all high and fucking mighty.
“How would you be able to serve me best in protecting Godsden?”
Albert’s question takes both Cecil and myself by surprise. I didn’t realize we, or whoever has Attendants, could interview them.
“I…uh.”
“High Chancellor,” Albert says respectfully, bowing his head. “I understood your description, but can you clarify for me what exactly it means that he would be my responsibility if I choose him?”
“Very good question.”
Really? I thought we weren’t allowed to ask any?
“Given your Designation,ifever a time were to occur where you would be needed in defending the region, Cecil would accompany you. Where you go, he goes. You would be responsible for his life. I am not sure the assistance he would bring you in that situation, but Attendants have many more useful responsibilities that they have been trained properly on.”
Albert seems to consider his words carefully. I hate everything about this. Although he isn’t being outwardly disrespectful to Cecil like the High Chancellor is, it makes me sick that they’re up there discussing him, his worth, and his abilities as though he’s an object to be used or thrown away.
“I thank the Gods for seeing me worthy enough of this honor, but I respectfully decline my Attendant.”
“Understandable, dear boy. One day, they may see fit to grace you again. It has happened before, so keep the faith and pray. That is all, Cecil. You both may return to the others.”
This is disgusting.
Thankfully, aside from the embarrassment, Cecil appears relieved. He walks back to his spot among the others and that’s when I notice the relief on all their faces. Subtly, they all smile at him and even some of their shoulders drop.
I tune out the many names that come after that. I pay enough attention to make sure my own name isn’t called or something important is said. My annoyance and apprehension festers to the point my face is stuck in a permanent scowl.
The reactions from the Attendants when one was accepted solidified it to me that they don’t want to be accepted. The entire group as a whole saddened. That makes revulsion bubble in my belly like I ate something spoiled.
Based on how the High Chancellor acts toward them, I imagine it’s much of the same, if not worse from the other gods. They don’t want to be in servitude to assholes, and I don’t blame them.
It’s shameful how the High Chancellor makes them out to be beneath everyone. He sets the precedent of where they stand in society. These are people. People who the gods decided to bring here. They have more importance than this.
The Chancellor who came to Oddian steps up after the female from Darlander gets back in line, sobbing. Her Designation is an Attendant. I’d hug her right now if I could.
I tangle my twitching fingers together behind my back. My feet slide apart a little more as I position myself like I’m about to be attacked. It’s illogical, but it grounds me.
“Garish Foremus.”
Just like this morning, Garish strolls to the Volreen like he’s ready to face his fate. The Chancellor doesn’t bother with instructions now that we’ve heard and seen what to do fifteen other times.
In moments, a new parchment emerges with his hand.
“Garish Foremus. Your dominant Designation is Defender. Followed by Ruler, then Plentiful. You have no place in Healer, Guider, or Attendant. Nor do you have an Attendant. Very good.”
Garish bows, then turns back toward us. His relief is written across his face. His Designations make perfect sense.
There’ve been a few who only have a couple of the Designations. Almost everyone fell into every category somewhat. I don’t know if that means their workload, training, whatever you want to call it, will be less or the same, just divided more among their Designations.
“Lambrit Armend.”
My nerves spike and my fingers flinch with the desire to grab him, but I know better than to do that right now. I watch every move his hand makes and when he pulls it free from the Volreen, I exhale quietly.
