Pantheon Online

259  A Stormy Night (Part 2)

Exile's eyes brimmed with rage when he arrived on the scene with a flash of lightning. He scanned the raging battle and realised that Dretheir and his goddess were only defending themselves from Ciena's attacks. 'They're not launching anything offensive against her.'

His eyes went wide in surprise as his gaze landed on Laskia. 'She was at Amari's gathering during the festival!' Exile cursed his luck as thunder rumbled overhead. Seven runes shot from his left hand to intercept Ciena's latest barrage of attacks.

Her attacks exploded as they came in contact with his spell. The trio who were fighting looked around in surprise until they saw Exile's seething figure. "Enough!" Exile commanded as the sky rumbled and the wind carried his voice. "What is happening here?"

"Your companion," Laskia said as she shot a look at Ciena. "Attacked me as soon as I arrived. In the interest of salvaging these negotiations, I commanded Dretheir only to act in defence."

Exile shot a questioning glance in Ciena's direction, but the great eagle trembled with rage. 'It seems like she's telling the truth.' He sighed, unsure of what to do next.

"My apologies for Queen Ciena's actions," Exile replied as he bowed his head. "Whatever her reason is, I forbid any further action while you are here. These negotiations should be held in good faith. For the sake of all races involved."

Ciena scoffed as she glared at Laskia. Exile could only shake his head at that sight. 'She better not ruin this before we even get a chance to talk.'

"Well, I'll start," Laskia said as she carefully sheathed her fans. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Exile. I am Laskia, Queen of the Heavenly Beast Pantheon."

"I remember you. We never got the chance to talk during the last time we met." Exile nodded while subtly hinting to keep Amari's gathering quiet. "I would ask that we take this into the temple in the city. There's another god who will be joining us momentarily."

Laskia cocked an eyebrow at Exile's request but bowed her head to show her agreement. Exile mentally sighed in relief as he flew down to the temple. Ciena and Drethir waited in the sky above the city as the two deities entered the building.

The temple had long been prepared for the meeting. Two wooden thrones sat on one side of a table with a third on the side of the door. Exile offered the lonely throne to Laskia as he took his seat. Moments later, a golden light appeared in the temple as Midas joined them.

"Queen Laskia, this is Midas. He's our chief officer when it comes to the matter of finances." Exile said as Midas took his seat and shook Laskia's hand. "Now that he's arrived, we can start the negotiations."

"Ok, then I would like to begin," Laskia said as she eyed Exile. "I would like to form a military, trade, and religious pact with Ragnarok."

"What does that entail?" Midas asked as he studied his opponent. "It's rather simple. We will provide military aid to each other during wars, trade our goods for the benefit of our economies, and swear not to push our religions into each other's territory." Laskia replied with a shrug.

Midas hummed as he mulled over Laskia's words for several seconds. "Let's start with the military part. As far as we are aware, you're already waging several wars. Not only that, but you appear to be on tense terms with one of the races that worship Exile. I'm afraid we can't commit to your terms of sending military aid."

Midas paused for a moment as he drummed his fingers on the table. "However, I feel it would be 13:45

beneficial to seal a non-aggression pact. Ragnarok will not take military action against your Midas paused for a moment as he drummed his fingers on the table. "However, I feel it would be beneficial to seal a non-aggression pact. Ragnarok will not take military action against your Pantheon, as long as you don't take action against us or our allies."

Laskia cocked an eyebrow as she sat with Midas' counteroffer for several minutes. "If we agree to that, would Ragnarok act if we are attacked by a Pantheon that is not your ally?"

"I would like to say we would try to bring the other Pantheon to a mediation meeting first. If they continue to be aggressive, as your allies, it would be in our best interest to send military aid."

"You're pretty good at this," Laskia chuckled. "The Heavenly Beast Pantheon accepts this proposal."

"Excellent," Midas said with a smile as a piece of paper appeared with a golden glow from his hand. On the paper were the terms they had agreed to. "Would you be so kind as to sign this contract before we move on?"

Laskia took the paper and looked it over. Her eyes went wide when she realised it reflected exactly what they had discussed with no loopholes.

"Is this part of your Authority?" Laskia asked with awe.

"Yes, it's called Fair Deal. It won't allow either party to take more than they offer. If either party breaks it, it will lock your access to your divinity until a fee is paid. It works on me too, so you don't have to worry about that." Midas replied with a solemn expression.

"How do I sign?" Laskia asked with an amused expression.

"Use a Miracle. The option to sign should appear."

Midas and Exile watched as Laskia's signature appeared on the contract. Midas smiled as he took it from her before it vanished.

"This is a good start. If I may, I had my doubts about you wanting to negotiate in good faith." Midas said as he studied Laskia. "Especially after sending that dragon to Skardia."

"Well, I've met Exile before, so I know he's not a simple player. Only someone special could have reached Amari's Inheritance." Laskia flashed a smile at Exile. "I believe it's in my best interests to work alongside him."

Midas nodded his head as he scratched his cheek. "Ok, shall we move on to the terms of trade between our people?"

"My people need weapons and armour," Laskia replied. "Warbeasts don't typically have great craftsmen. We know you have connections with the dwarves and would like to purchase from them."

"I'm not sure that will be possible," Exile groaned before Midas could say anything. "The dwarves are proud. I'll raise the subject with King Bargrux. But the final decision will be up to him. Unfortunately, I can't make this promise before that."

Laskia cocked an eyebrow as she stared into Exile's eyes. "Do you not have full control over your followers?"

Exile remained silent at Laskia's probing questions. After all, he did not want to tip his hand where he could lose the dwarves' support in the future.

"Well, you heard Exile. I'm sure we can trade Skardian steel, and possibly crops. You should need food with all of these wars, right? So that should be just as important as weaponry. We can settle on amounts to be traded later." Midas said as another contract appeared.

"I want you to add a clause that it will include Dwarven goods if King Bargrux agrees," Laskia replied.

"Ok, done." Midas frowned as he handed over the contract. 'She wanted to make sure that we wouldn't say Bargrux rejected it when he actually agreed.'

"Ok, so all that's left is the religious boundaries," Laskia said with a sweet smile. "I ask that Ragnarok does not push their religion into any territory controlled by my Pantheon."

"That's very simple, and we ask the same. This includes all future territories. However, neither of us can claim a race as off-limits. Only the people inside the territory we already control." Midas replied as he gazed at Laskia for her approval.

"That suits me just fine," Laskia chuckled as Midas handed over another contract with a frown. Laskia signed the contract before handing it over with a smile. "Well, this has been fantastic. I'm glad to have made new allies. Of course, if you're ever interested, we could deepen our relationship."

Exile cocked an eyebrow as curiosity flashed in his eyes. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well, we could become a public couple." Laskia tapped her chin as she studied Exile's reaction.

Midas did not know what to say as he glanced sideways at Exile. He gulped as he waited to see how Exile would handle that.

"Is that a joke?" Exile asked with wide eyes as he studied Laskia.

"Not at all," Laskia chuckled. "Are you aware that two rulers can get married and the Pantheons will merge? There will be enough player slots, so you don't have to worry about losing any team members."

Exile frowned when he realised she was serious. 'It's not like we'd be together. It's just using a game mechanic.' Exile stroked his beard as he continued to study Laskia. 'It would be a good offer if we had a history of working well together. But, right now, I barely know her or what she's after.'

"I'll give it some consideration for the future," Exile replied as he stared at Laskia. "But for now it's a no."

"I can respect that," Laskia replied while bowing her head. "Oh, and please remember to keep the Eagles out of my territory."

"I'm afraid I don't speak for Ciena. She isn't one of my mine. But she is an ally. I'll try to talk her into leaving your territory alone. That's the best I can offer." Exile replied with a solemn tone.

"That's good enough. Thank you. " Laskia smiled as she gazed over her shoulder. "Would you look at that, it's almost daylight. I wish you all the best, Exile."