Chapter 46: Sacrifice (1/2)

”What did he say?” Bjorn looked at Ania with a fervent gaze.

Ania turned away from the altar dedicated to Exile and cast her eyes over his believers. ”It seems these people from Korden are problematic. Their Goddess is a thorn in Exile's side.”

There was a chorus of grumbling amongst Exile's followers who gathered in the Temple. They discussed the meaning of these words amongst themselves while glancing at Ania from time to time. The atmosphere became solemn as they wondered what they should do.

”Lord Exile has asked us to stall them for as long as possible. He's taking care of things in the Heavens right now, but he has declared that he will descend to take care of it soon.” Ania heaved a sigh as she worried about the impression that they were making on their God.

”No!” Bjorn's face turned red as he clenched the back of a chair. ”How can we trouble Exile with mere mortals? Are we not capable of dealing with this ourselves?”

Some mutters of agreement followed Bjorn's statement, as many eyes fell on him. The other villagers felt he had a point. It was disgraceful if they always ran to Exile to have him deal with their issues. Should they not be spreading his name like those from Korden were doing?

”Lord Exile has already declared his intentions. If he feels this is urgent enough to descend the moment he is available, then he will kill them. The Gods are unfathomable! They have far too much to be concerned about already.” Bjorn took a deep breath as he glanced at his fellow believers. ”Let us prove ourselves worthy of Exile's blessings. I say we kill these guests before Exile has to intervene!”

”Yeah!” Many followers let out in unison.

”Grab your axes! Sharpen your wits! Exile has spoken and we shall not disappoint him!” Bjorn's eyes were wide as grabbed his axe from his waist and hoisted it overhead.

Yelling sounded in the Temple as the people rushed out to fetch their weapons. Bjorn let out a broad grin before he felt a hand upon his shoulder.

”What are you doing?” Ania bit her lower lip as she trembled. ”Lord Exile said that he would take care of this!”

”Ania, dear girl. You're still young and ignorant of the way of the Gods.” Bjorn shook his head as he met Ania's gaze. ”How much of the book have you read now?”

”I've read about Allevia stealing the First Flame from the Elden and gifting fire to King Hasgard.” Ania's brows dipped into a frown as she wondered where this was going.