They could take Izril. Overrun the Walled Cities, stage in Pallass, whose blueprints Xrn and the Flying Queen have studied, tunnel north, capture the human lands.

"It would not suffice to defeat our ultimate foe," he concedes. "And I doubt the god can bless—so many Antinium, unless the prayer of one is sufficient to outweigh the expense, which I would not assume. But the objective of this exercise was only partially to determine the value it can deliver us, and significantly to further understand the nature of the gods' and their abilities."

Wait why would you trade five if he's worth three - oh, right, he also only eats as much as one, that makes sense. "It's interesting that they can grant classes that don't obviously have to do with clerichood."

They're also more space-efficient, useful for strike forces, and lend to more dynamic and effective strategies. Replacing three guys with one guy in an otherwise mostly standard unit is one of the worse ways to utilize leveled people.

"It is surprising enough that I wonder if there is more to it. If the Soldier has been granted [Cleric] or something like [Godbane Warrior], that would be logical. Merely accelerated leveling is underwhelming, although still useful. Perhaps more prayer is needed for the originally intended boon, or a larger group, and the current boon is a compromise to indicate that the god is listening? It did take two hours of prayer. The [Clerics] on your side did not mention any delays in receiving their classes, unless it was omitted."

"What is a [Godbane Warrior]? - It might be that it takes more prayer to locate which soldier you're putting forward to be granted the boon; the [Clerics] over here were chosen by their gods and weren't seeking them out."

"I made it up. It doesn't exist, as far as I know, but the sort of thing you would grant if possible to an ally seeking to defeat a god. That is possible as well. Should we have the rest of the Soldier's unit pray with them? Or perhaps wait until you have a response from the places you petitioned."

"I'd wait but it's your decision."

"A few weeks will do no harm."

"On that note, Keisha Silverfang appears to be free of the mental block, and is willing to attempt an errand to Manus. She will be occupied for another week, with, I quote, 'tricky business' in Zeres, however, before she can go. She also expresses relief at your wellbeing and apologies for 'everything'. She has been avoiding mention of her god since she left Liscor."

"That's good to hear, thank you. She didn't specify what she's doing in Zeres?"

"She did not specify. She was accompanied by a Drake and another Gnoll in a dimly lit tavern, and appeared to be in good health."

ah, she has an adventuring party "Thank you for looking into it."

"I will update you if or when she undertakes the visit, or the situation changes."

"When should we call again?"

"In one week?"

"Or when you receive further news. Xrn will be carrying our side of the device on her to receive a call."

"Very well. In eight days." He's still not completely acclimated to the eight day week.

The connection cuts off from their end this time.

Three days later, the King summons Blai.

Here's the summoned Blai, what's going on?

"Talks with Germina are progressing. However... have you heard the rumors of the King of Destruction's reawakening?"

"Yes. One of his partisans was the person who kidnapped me."

"You may not be pleased to hear that the rumors are true, and Reim has joined the bidding for assisting the Quarass in repelling Hellios from Germina. The outcome we now steer for, from how we perceive the situation to stand, is for Germina and Reim to join in alliance and sign a treaty of peace with Khelt, with an auxiliary agreement for Khelt to exchange knowledge with Germina on the matter of gods."

He pauses meaningfully for Blai get a word in if he wants.

"I have no grounds on which to contest this aim, your majesty."

He's heard it alleged that [Clerics] like to opine on foreign policy. Maybe this [Cleric] does not like to opine on foreign policy. Either way, foreign policy opinions are not actually what he summoned Blai for.

"Before the Quarass makes her decision, however, she wishes to meet with you, to understand the object to which her memories are to be compared. It is also not unimaginable to us that she has some amount of interest in the topic, and may wish to acquire [Clerics] of her own. She cannot leave Ger at this time of crisis, and invites you to meet her in her capital for two days.

"If you are willing, the journey will take less than a day in each direction, and you will be accompanied by Scourge Vanguards for protection—living warriors among my people who each are able to command undead in our name. The Quarass nor Flos Reimarch would dare offend upon you; their nations are both weak, today, and could not risk suffering the full wrath of Khelt. However, it is your choice. You are not our subject, and we cannot command you."

"I am willing to make the excursion if this service would be more valuable to you than the same amount of time in clerical education."