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“Interesting,” said Ibai. “He doesn’t sound too terrible, in that case. Apart from being a little judgmental. And manipulative.”

‘And unpredictable,’ said the Weaver. ‘Out of the all the primordial gods I’ve read about, he may be the one that I would fear the most.’

“Really? That doesn’t seem right. Hada seems way scarier. At least Ettol would have a chance of being on your side.”

‘No, but that’s the thing. Ettol would at first appear to be your friend. Maybe even someone you already know quite well. In fact, you may never even know he was there to begin with until he had already passed judgment on you. With Hada, at least you could see him coming and try to prepare yourself.’

Ibai bobbed his head. “I gotta say... I find it a little curious how he’s also the God of Rebirth, along with Impulse and Deceit. Do you know how he got those names?”

‘I do not. But it appears to be a pattern with each of the Primordials. They all have three monikers.’

“A trinity of power,” observed Ibai.

She paused at that. ‘I... yes. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes, perhaps that is exactly right. Hmm.’

“I wonder what it really means to be a ‘god.’”

‘A good question, if ever there was one.’

“Mmhmm. Think I wanna go do some reading, now.”

‘Ah, okay. So was any of that helpful? If you’re able to somehow figure out the Library’s deepest, darkest secrets from just that bit of information, then I’d sure love to hear about how and why.’

“Oh, it was super helpful! Thank you!”

‘Uh-huh. What do you plan to do now? After your next reading session, I mean.’

Another big grin split his face. “Simple! I’m gonna write a new book!”


Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Two: ‘The Dragons in the Rain...’
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The battle was a foregone conclusion. Abolish and the VMP’s forces were holding out for now, but it was only a matter of time. From this high vantage point among the rocky hills northeast of Ridgemark, Zeff Elroy could see most of the battlefield.

The allied Rainlord forces had managed to flank the enemy fairly well, though the geography of the area still left a rather clear route for them to retreat, whenever they decided to do so.

Perhaps the Rainlords could have done more to prevent that, to circle around and cut them off completely, but time had been a factor.

And of course, there was also the ancient consideration of honor on the battlefield. While Abolish may not have deserved it, the many thousands of non-servants within the VMP’s army did.