Part 2
At the Great Cathedral in Gilnas City, word had finally begun to reach them of what transpired in Dragonpost a few weeks earlier.
“Have you heard the news, Sir?” A man wearing a waistcoat asked the Priest seated at the desk.
“Indeed I have, Duncan. Released from her duties, was it?” the Priest responded.
“Yes. The University announced she would stay on as the Department head of Divine Magic, but she had been released from her duties as High Priest by Vordea herself, no less. The original announcement is already verified to be an actual divine artifact.” Duncan continued. “By all accounts, it’s genuine.”
“You know what this means, of course.” the Priest said with a sigh. “We have to appoint a new High Priest.”
“Sir?”
“You’re too young, you weren’t here for Neptis’s selection.” the Priest stood up. “Come on, I’ll explain on the way.” the Priest walked out the door of the office, Duncan following after him.
“Sir, you look like you’re having a war flashback.” Duncan said with concern in his voice, as the Priest was already sweating.
“It took nearly a decade to choose her. More than 70 people died through assassinations, suspicious accidents, mysterious disappearances, and worse. To say nothing of the ceremony itself.” the Priest had stopped now and was sitting on a bench in the hall. “Six people were driven mad merely by the sight of the Goddess, and Neptis killed her remaining rivals in cold blood right in front of the Goddess on the altar to prove she was worthy. We’re going to have a bloodbath once I make the announcement.”
“What if we just don’t say anything?” Duncan asked.
“Won’t work. As you said, verified divine artifact.” the Priest replied, shaking his head. He paused for a moment, then looked up at Duncan. “We could delay, at least for a few weeks. Make up some bullshit about seeking guidance on what to do next.”
“That might be a good idea, actually.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why don’t we ask the Goddess herself for guidance?” Duncan asked, leaning against the stone wall, arms crossed. “She caused the issue, after all.”
“I see your angle. Well, it can’t hurt to try. Let’s go to the altar then.” the Priest responded after a minute of silence.
The two men walked through the hallways of the cathedral in silence until they got to the main room. The high arches of the cathedral rose above them, and the stained glass windows shone brilliantly in the morning sun. Duncan turned toward the altar and suddenly stopped, motioning the Priest to do the same. Sitting on the altar, cross-legged in a long black evening gown, was the Goddess of Change, Vordea. Spotting the two men, she beckoned them over with a gloved hand. She smiled at their approach, but remained seated on the altar.
“Father Cyril Walsh, it is pleasing to see that you are still in good health.” Vordea said as the two men seated themselves at the front pew in front of the altar. “The same to you, Duncan Purcell. As I am sure the two of you are aware, we have a problem.” Vordea stood up on the altar, and her gown flowed and swirled. “I need to appoint a new High Priest.”
“My Lady, if it’s anything like last time,” Father Walsh began.
“It’ll take a decade and be a bloodbath.” Vordea finished. “I know the Vordean Church gets rather… excited at such events, as they come so rarely.” Vordea hopped down from the altar and approached the two men. “So we’re going to do something different this time. Different from any other time.”
“How so, Lady Vordea?” Father Walsh asked. “Of course, you being here right now is already different, so…”
“I’m going to choose my High Priest personally.” Vordea stated, hands on her hips. “There will be no competition, no weeding of the weak. Cyril, I’m going to make a divine proclamation.”
“I’ll make the preparations immediately my Lady.” Father Walsh said, getting up.
“What’s going on?” Duncan asked Vordea.
“Of course you wouldn’t know.” Vordea said with a bemused look. “I haven’t made one for thousands of years.” Vordea sat down on the steps leading to the altar. “The beginnings have already started, though.” Vordea pointed at the brightly shining stained glass windows. “The cathedral is currently in an imitation of my home. The tower of light around it is going to draw people.”
“We’re in what?” Duncan asked, confused.
“A pocket dimension, if you will.” Vordea said as her tentacles began to slither out from under her dress. “It seems they’re curious about you. Try to remain still.”
“W-what are these things?” Duncan asked nervously as they drew closer.
“They are my purviews. Revolution. War. Trade. Seasons. Bad poems. They are every kind of change under my control.”
The dozen or so tentacles slithered up to Duncan and wrapped around his legs. They chittered with each other, before, seemingly satisfied with Duncan, they uncurled from him, retreating back under Vordea’s dress.
“The preparations are complete, Lady Vordea.” Father Walsh said as he returned to the altar. “You may begin whenever you wish.”
“Thank you Cyril. It’s time to begin. Duncan, you will remain and watch this event.” Vordea said with a smile before snapping her fingers. The entire cathedral shook as it re-entered the mortal realm. The roof groaned, then cracked, before shattering in an explosion, the pieces of the roof vaporizing in an instant before they could fall. The altar became fluid, and took on the shape of a massive throne. Vordea sat on the throne as Father Walsh approached the pulpit.
“People of Gilnas City!” Father Walsh shouted. His voice was massively amplified, and could be heard throughout the entire city. “Lady Vordea will make a proclamation shortly at the Great Cathedral! She requests that all attend!”