Page 55 of The Gods Veiling
“This Veiling is one to be remembered. This group of Chosen has over fifty percent Defender Designation. The gods have truly taken our protection into consideration and have delivered us strong and worthy men.”
“Men,” Creed chuffs.
Kyzen nods along. “So no female Defenders this Veiling.”
“Again,” Amick and I say together. I refuse to look at him and enjoy our little moment.
He’s pissed me off with the hand popping shit.
The Defenders have like…I don’t know really, six maybe seven females who are there solo. The other number of them are a part of completed Valtrues.
Poor vicious things take ass beatings left and right and their groups do nothing but tell them to do better. That shit wouldn’t fly with me. I mean, thank fuck I don’t have a Binder, but I tend to be a little possessive over my things.
“Gods who are still receiving your power, you all will be granted another piece today after the Chosen if the Beginning Gods see it as their will. Be gracious and continue to give thanks for all that you receive. Remember your roles and prepare these newly becoming Gods as you were prepared before them. Teach themourhistory andourway of life as the time comes.”
“Yes, High Chancellor,” the crowd chants, and my brothers and I wrinkle our noses.
The gullible idiots.
Maybe not all of them, but most.
Each year, they suck this shit up like it’s the finest wine. They listen and hold onto his lies like they’re their lifelines.
I’m in awe of the way he manipulates them so easily.
It’s abundantly clear that the Defenders get the most power released every year. Those who have shown remarkable skills or usefulness in the other Designations will get a little extra as well. For the most part, though, they only give enough for everyone to notice and not cause an uproar.
If they weren’t so dick-whipped by the Beginning and Domain Gods, they’d see the truth for what it is.
The High Chancellor turns his head to the wall of white as it grows brighter. His creepy smile reveals that whoever is stepping forward first is someone he liked.
“Our first Chosen of this Veiling,” he shouts as he pivots his body slightly and holds his hand out. A second later, a man steps out in a daze, just as they always do. It only takes him a beat to pull it together. “Albert DeWalsh.”
The DeWalsh guy looks almost relieved to see the High Chancellor and I instantly don’t like him. Anyone who finds that kinda comfort from him isn’t someone I’ll be sharing my fun with.
The High Chancellor takes the parchment from the guy’s trembling hand and rolls it out slowly. The drama and anticipation he attempts to build with this first one every Veiling annoys me.
Like get on with it already. We know what all is listed, just say it.
I’d find much more enjoyment in it if some crazy shit were to be scribbled out and it surprised the High Chancellor as well as all of us.
They should allow me to present the Chosen.
“Albert’s highest Designation is Defender. Followed by Ruler, Guider, Plentiful, then Healer. He had no place in Attendant, and was worthy of one, but the Attendant presented was not worthy of him.”
Albert looks shocked that the High Chancellor is announcing everything he’s been tested on.
He does this every Veiling and never warns them that he’s going to tell everyone everything. Even the Chosens who place as an Attendant get put on the spot like this. They’re even more shocked when he starts spitting off their ages, where they grew up, and what they were best known for in their communities.
It’s information he gets the Chancellors to gather when everyone thinks they leave with their piece of the Volreen. Instead, they visit whoever the region’s leader is and dig up what they can on them.
“It looks like you are worthy once again, Albert. Hugh Capri, where are you?” The High Chancellor scans the crowd until he focuses on a group of people who are separating from another man. “Congratulations. The two of you have been paired. This is the start of your Valtrue. May it be complete in the coming Veiling.Finally, Albert, the answer you have been waiting for most. You have a domain under the God of Endurance.”
A genuine smile lights up his face and the crowd cheers like crazy for him. As I said, the Defender Designation gets a lot of recognition. No matter what.
I only pay enough attention from that point on to laugh at the shock and coloring of dear Albert’s cheeks as the High Chancellor continues on telling us all about him.
After that, I couldn’t give a shit what’s said.
