Page 109 of Seas the Reckoning

Thank the tides. I wouldn’t want my first meeting with the gods to get off on the wrong foot. Speaking of which.

I stare back at the man, narrowing my eyes and leaning closer. He smiles, and the edges of his form begin to shimmer.

“Who are you?” I ask.

He nods in understanding.

“God of wisdom, but I don’t know everything. Just like I’m certain you don’t see everything, and I mean no disrespect with that statement.”

I relax a bit as the sincerity of his statement lands. That’s one pesky bit of formality out of the way.

“Very true.”

“I’ll get right to it. A recent issue has come to our attention. The gods are … going through a bit of a renovation period, if I may put it that way. There are several things that have been neglected for far too long now, and we are trying to put them to rights. The Fates have keen insight into what needs to be done and have sought out my input on prioritizing and how to implement our desired changes.”

I don’t offer any opinions yet, content to let him reach his own point. I’ve found over the years that silence is an effective way to get people to share more. My efforts, or lack of effort, since standing with my lips shut takes very little, pay off almost immediately.

The god in front of me takes in a breath, leaving me wondering if he really needs to breathe, before barreling on with the rest of his speech.

“Even so, none of us is so arrogant that we think our opinions are the only ones that matter. That’s part of how the gods got into the mess we’re in to start with. We’re carefully selecting some wise supernatural voices to chime in on a few of our issues, as a means of ensuring our actions are moving things in the right direction. One of balance, and fairness, and that honors magic.”

The last bit gets my attention. He’s talking about magic as I would, as the living and real entity responsible for all of us. Different supernaturals may have their various beliefs. Werewolves and the moon, naiads and the tides, but magic is magic.

“And I made the list? I am honored,” I say, walking toward the seating area that surrounds the trays of food and steaming cups of fresh tea.

I gesture for my guests to sit, and my creaking joints are endlessly thankful when they do so without fuss and I’m able to take a seat as well.

“You have a reputation for accuracy and fairness, without dramatics thrown into your readings,” Feral says, taking a sip of his tea.

“I’m flattered.”

He dips his chin. The Fates dig into the sandwiches, and each take a few cookies. Fates have a sweet tooth. Who knew?

“One project we have chosen to prioritize involves the Underworld,” the shortest Fate says, chewing on a bite of cucumber sandwich.

Again, I manage not to outwardly react. I’m not surprised that it would exist. Fae is real, gods are real, and I think magic does not just cease to exist when supernaturals die, so it must go somewhere.

The slenderest and tallest Fate, silent up until now, opens her mouth.

“There is a group of individuals who exist in Limbo, attached to the Underworld. We call them Enders. They are something in between the dead and the living. Acting on behalf of those supernaturals who have been wronged. And their existence is … complicated.”

Feral grimaces, hiding the expression by lifting his teacup again.

“We were, uh, not all aware of their existence until quite recently. Their roles are taxing. Ironically, given their titles, their jobs are endless. We’d like to pursue our goal of bringing balance by presenting an alternative existence. A way out of their never-ending roles, should they desire such a thing. But we want to get your insight on how that may impact things. If you’re willing.”

I decide to press my luck. How often does one interact with the gods? I want to know the character of those I’m dealing with.

“What if I’m not willing?” My hand tenses around the top of my cane as I gather my nerve.

Feral doesn’t miss a beat, and the Fates keep right on eating, unbothered.

“We would continue using the Fates’ abilities to search out other supernaturals who might provide us their opinions on the matter. You should know, you are the first person we have approached. But this is not a forced position. As I stated before, we are trying to correct the errors of the gods. We cannot do that if we act only with intimidation and force. However, if you help, we would be honored. And, of course, in respect of witch culture, we can pay.”

The use of witch keys is not free. Witches sometimes get a reputation for greed, but it’s incorrect. We simply don’t live long enough to acquire wealth the way dragons or vampires can. Charging for the use of our keys makes us a living and gains us a level of respect among the supernatural community that protects us a bit from harm with our weaker physical statures.

He delivers the offer in a calm tone, as a genuine offer, not a slight.

I let my eyes flicker. I do my readings around my orb to center myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t see without it.