“Hm.” Emma pondered this. “I wonder how we fell so far away from history, and lost the truth along the way.”
“Because there were certain people in power who twisted the narrative,” I said. “History is written by the winners, Emma, and those who have the coin and status to twist things to their will. It’s much easier to control the public when you divide them. It’s up to us to look beyond the veil, and see the truth for what it is.”
After the mock-battle, a stage was conjured by a sorceress, and a play began. It was one of my favorite stories— a tale of Vesna, the goddess of time, falling in love and mating with a wolven shifter. Emma’s face grew confused as she watched the players dance on stage, portraying the intricate romance with streamers and bright costumes.
“I don’t understand this play,” Emma said. “The actress is playing Vesna, the goddess of time, but in the play Vesna is a mortal fae, not a goddess. That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Gods and goddesses have been known to come to Earth to live among us,” I explained. “They incarnate as mortal fae, and take mates among our race. Some goddesses incarnate again and again— Vesna has incarnated several instances, to mate with shifters and take them back to Edinmyre, to make them a part of her harem. Other gods only incarnate once or twice. Radek, the god of war, has only incarnated as a mortal a few times, to lead the fae in times of war. It’s a very rare occurrence.”
“Is there any proof that these people are actually incarnations of gods, and not just powerful fae?” she asked.
“There are written historical records from the Middle Ages, though they’re hard to interpret,” I said. “I choose to believe them. The records say that these fae are stronger than most, able to do incredible magic most members of our race cannot. Some of the amazing deeds that are described are enough to convince me— tales of being able to reverse or speed up time, or create armies from nothing. No normal fae could pull off that type of magic without godly power.”
“Do the gods who incarnate know what they are?”
“I don’t believe so.” I shook my head. “They gain knowledge of their godhood along the way, as they live their lives and grow in wisdom. When their minds are wiped clean of the knowledge of their godhood, it is easier for them to learn lessons and partake in the mortal experience, which they need in order to better guide us.”
“Do they ever find out?”
“I think, from what I’ve read, gods who incarnate only realize what they are if another god who hasn’t incarnated tells them, or once they reach an advanced age— elders, mostly. Memories from their past godhood lives can be triggered as well, but I’m not quite sure how accurate all this is. So much of it is rumor and fairy tale, lost through the ages.”
Emma’s face brightened in hope. “Do you think one of the Seven Gods has incarnated in our time, and could lend us a hand against Gabby? If they have, we could launch a search for them.”
I gave a skeptical noise. “I wish. It’d be easier to win this war. An incarnation of one of the Seven Gods living among the fae has not happened in many years. If there was a god or goddess in our midst, I’m certain they’d offer their help, as we have taken on a quest given us to Milonna. All of the other gods are enemies of Droga’s. Why wouldn’t they want to stop him from gaining the Crystals, and aid us? I am sure that if we had friends amongst the gods that we would’ve met them already. But none of them have come forward, so the Seven Gods must remain in the afterlife.”
Emma bit her lip. “Do you think it’s possible that I could be a goddess, and don’t know it? It sounds so silly to say out loud, but sometimes, my powers scare even me.”
“The Worldweaver is a different thing,onawilke. You wouldn’t be able to assume both titles as a goddess and a champion of a goddess.”
“Well, that’s a relief, because I really didn’t want the responsibility.” She laughed, before she took a pause and said, “What about you?”
“Me?” I laughed out loud. “No, surely not. My magic is strong, but unextraordinary in that way. I am a flesh-and-blood fae, same as any other.”
“That’s a shame.” Emma frowned. “I really wish one of the godshadincarnated in our lifetime, to help us out.”
“Perhaps they think we can manage on our own.” I kissed her hand, but I shared her sentiment. Having a god or goddess in our world would be a huge asset, but the gods hadn’t mingled in the affairs of fae in such a long while. That Milonna had reached out to us was a miracle itself. I couldn’t expect the gods to incarnate in this realm merely for our sake, even if it was to save the fae. They did as they pleased, and we served them. It was how it had always been.
There was a great feast that night in the main dining hall. The feasting table was laid out with smoked fish, fresh strawberries, sponge cake and potatoes, along with all kinds of fresh salads and cheeses. Several barrels of ale were placed around the room, from which alcohol free-flowed.
The guests were dressed in an array of bright fabrics that varied from red to gold. Sun masks were placed upon their faces, and they danced to music played on leather drums and stringed instruments by minstrels. The servants continued to bring out more and more wine.
This kind of expense had been approved by me and the Circle, although it was more subdued then it would’ve been. I figured the people needed some cheering up after the collapse of the city, and that a light party couldn’t hurt, but we couldn’t afford to go all out on celebration when we were in the middle of a war.
I’d finished off my first (and last) ale of the evening, and Emma had ended a dance with a noble of the court when Odette came blustering in from the other side of the room. She was in a tizzy, nearly tripping over her skirts as she ran through the party.
I put it up to Odette just being Odette, but as she leaned over to whisper in Emma’s ear, my mate’s face visibly whitened.
We had a problem. Emma caught my glance and cocked her head. I excused myself, telling Stefan to manage things while Emma and I had a conversation.
I followed Emma to one of the parlor rooms off the dining hall. I closed it behind us, and barely locked the door before she began pacing in front of me.
“What is it?” I asked, already expecting bad news.
Emma took a short breath and said, “Gabby is pregnant.”
My mouth dropped open. “Are you sure?”
“I’m certain. Odette and Theo have placed alicorn spies around the fortress. They’ve suspected for some time, but today they found proof,” Emma said. “She must’ve conceived shortly before Elijah was killed. She’s several weeks along. She’ll give birth sometime early next year.”
