Part 3
"Do I really have to wear the robes all the time?" Elias asked as they approached the Checkpoint at the southern reaches of the Dwarven empire, walking out of the jungle.
"Of course you do!" Vordea insisted, not disguised in the least. "You're my High Priest. Remember, you have my backing. Speak with confidence."
"I've been meaning to ask, where's your gauntlet?" Nalaea asked, pointing at Vordea's exposed hand.
"I left it at an intriguing village with no name. We're stopping there on the way to Port Sulala." Vordea answered, thinking back to the conversation she had in that tavern that day nearly 4 years ago.
As they approached the checkpoint, the soldiers inside took notice, and one came out, beckoning them over.
"Hoy, travellers!" He called. "This way please."
Nodding, Elias led the 4 of them as they came up to the impressively overbuilt checkpoint. Two stories tall, surrounded by nothing but Dwarven desert, and with a huge complement of staff. Elias wondered how much of this was just an employment project for the Empire.
"Welcome to the Empire of Eternal Sand. This ain't Port Sulala so we'll keep it short and sweet." The soldier said. "Are any of you wanted criminals in the Empire?"
"No." Elias answered.
"Good. What is the purpose of your visit?"
"We are travelling to Port Sulala to book passage back to Karand." Elias answered again.
"Last one is a census question. Occupations?" The soldier asked, and quickly regretted asking it.
"Goddess." Vordea answered. The soldier's face paled.
"High Priest." Elias answered.
"Nobleman." Francisco said.
"Royal Elven Ranger." Nalaea finished.
"Really?" The soldier asked after a moment's silence. The four of them nodded, causing him to sigh. "We have to do this the long way then. Get on inside you lot."
The four of them laughed slightly as they followed the border guard inside, knowing this was going to happen. Inside, a customs official was soundly asleep, snoring particularly loudly.
"Pay no mind to old Fultheim." The guard said, gesturing at the snoring official. "Good man, just has sleeping sickness."
"You could cure him." Vordea whispered to Elias as they walked past the snoring man.
"Why should I?" Elias whispered back, causing Vordea to smile.
"Owing a favour." Vordea answered, and Elias understood.
"Hold." Elias said, causing the guard to stop. "I could cure this man."
"Ain't nobody can cure Fultheim." The guard said dismissively.
"I am the High Priest of Change. I alone decide who can be cured." Elias said, deciding to have some fun and put on a show.
Okay now what, Elias asked Vordea telepathically.
Leave that up to me, Vordea answered. Divine spells are a link to your God, namely me.
Elias strode confidently up to Fultheim, and gently tapped him on the shoulder. "Wake up, Sir Fultheim."
Good enough for me, Vordea said, laughing inwardly. Behold the power of a God!
At those thoughts, Fultheim suddenly jerked awake, and looked around, his eyes wide.
"I feel... rested!" He exclaimed.
Elias smiled. "I bid you greetings, Fultheim. I am High Priest Elias Malloit."
"Well I'll be, if it isn't Lady Chaos." Fultheim said, ignoring Elias and regarding Vordea with admiration. He stood and gave her a deep bow, to which Vordea smiled politely. "You found one, then?"
"Indeed I did." Vordea said, smiling. "Elias I'm sorry but this was a bit of a trick. Fultheim is the God of Sleep."
Fultheim sat down again, already yawning. "Playing tricks on the both of us. Go on then, welcome to the Empire of Eternal Sand."
With those words, Fultheim was soundly asleep again, and already snoring. Elias, Nalaea, and Francisco looked around in confusion as Vordea quietly spoke with the border guard for a few seconds.
"Are we being pranked? What the fuck just happened?" Nalaea asked.