Book of Aphrodite Chapter Ten

The real history of Aphrodite setting the mythology straight. The 10th chapter opens up.

Aphrodite brings Yahweh to her villa and places his hands in hers. She looks into his eyes and tells him that he is more than a dear friend.

The night they shared together on Arcturia was something more. She places his hand on her belly. Yahweh's eyes widen.

Aphrodite smiles 'It is your child that grows within me.'

Much to her surprise, Yahweh pulls his hand back almost in a panic.

Aphrodite asks 'What is wrong?'

Yahweh says 'My child? I don't know what to say.'

Aphrodite gets a concerned look on her face. It seems Yahweh is more frightened by this than delighted. She takes his hands in hers again and he pulls them back.

Aphrodite asks sternly 'What is wrong? Why would you not be delighted by such news?'

Yahweh says 'I don't know, I feel strange. I must think for a while. I am going to return home. I am sorry.'

Aphrodite says 'Return home to think? I do not understand.'

Yahweh leaves and does not return.

The Birth of Baal...

Aphrodite clutches the hand of her caretaker. She can feel the child moving within her.

Her caretaker says 'Be strong now, Love. Your child comes soon.'

Aphrodite gives birth to her firstborn child. She holds her newborn son in her arms. He is a handsome boy.

Although he has very long eyebrows which protrude from his head, he does not have the goat-like face of Yahweh. It is a humanoid face like the Olympians. Aphrodite smiles at her baby.

Poseidon sits next to Ares out in the hallway. Ares places his hand on Poseidon's shoulder 'Sounds like you are a new uncle.'

Poseidon says 'I am kind of frightened, to tell you the truth. I have never been good with children. I don't want to influence the child in any wrong way.'

Ares smiles 'You are brave and strong. You are the God of the Seas. My own father considers you a brother. You represent the Olympians and all that we are. You will make a fine uncle.'

Aphrodite's caretaker comes out of the room as Zeus arrives. She tells everybody with a delighted look upon her face 'The prophesies are true and the Oracles are right. It is a son.'

The caretaker bows to Zeus 'Your majesty, the Lady Aphrodite will receive visitors now.'

Zeus smiles and hugs the caretaker and embraces her. This is shocking to the caretaker but she accepts it.

Zeus says 'You have done so well in raising her. This is a grand day.'

He turns to the other Olympians waiting in the hallway 'I declare 19 days of feasts and celebration.'

This comes as a surprise to some of the other Olympians. There has been such dissension lately.

Many proxy wars have spread throughout the realms due to a dark force which guides them, known as the Bentian. It is believed to be led by Moonstone and Saurzon.

There are other forces behind it. Zeus has recently spoken of this himself in the council of the pantheons and great houses. A dark force from within the borderlands is influencing those among the realms.

As we return to this joyous occasion, Zeus enters the chamber and smiles at Aphrodite who is holding her new son.

Zeus looks at the young baby boy and asks 'Have you named him yet?'

Aphrodite says 'I have already thought of the name long ago. It came to me in my dreams. I shall name him Baal.'

Zeus smiles 'You have chosen an excellent and strong name.'

Aphrodite says 'Yes, it is.' She looks down at her son but her smile fades.

Zeus notices this and asks 'What troubles you?'

Aphrodite sighs and her eyes water up with tears. 'I only wish his father were here to see him with his own eyes to see such a strong son come into the world.'

Zeus says sternly 'A father should be here for the birth of a son. To hold him high. I do not understand Yahweh's decision. We accepted him here upon Olympus and on this great day. It pains me to say this Aphrodite, I do not wish to cause you any discomfort.'

Aphrodite looks at Zeus. There is something on his mind which he hesitates to tell her. She knows it relates to Yahweh.

Aphrodite says 'Please, tell me.'

Zeus is hesitant then says 'This is such a joyous occasion. My thoughts on Yahweh shall not spoil it.'

Aphrodite says 'I understand. I shall take Baal to see Alfheim. There King Yserah said he would offer a blessing. I shall use the portal there to take Baal to see Yahweh. If Yahweh will not come to see his son then I shall take his son to him.'

Zeus says 'If you believe that is the right thing to do, then so be it. You are very wise Aphrodite. I have declared 19 days of celebration here on Mount Olympus for you. Shall I hold off on the beginning of the celebration until you return? Are you well enough to travel?'

Aphrodite gives her son to a servant who places him in a fine crib next to the bed. Aphrodite sits up then places her feet on the floor and stands, looking down at Baal.

Zeus says 'You recover very quickly. I am amazed. You are strong, and your son will inherit that strength.'

Aphrodite says 'Go ahead and prepare for the celebrations. I will not be long. I shall go to Alfheim and receive the blessing of King Yserah. Then I shall go see Yahweh. I will bring him back here to celebrate the birth of his son. Should I invite King Yserah for the celebrations?'

Zeus says 'I have already sent out the message. I know you would desire him to be here.'

Aphrodite says 'Yes, he is a dear friend to me.'

At this time, Aphrodite has the appearance of around 21 in Midgard years. She calls for her caretaker along with Eros and Himeros to help her prepare. They will be traveling to Alfheim.

Eros and Himeros leave early to inform King Yserah that Aphrodite will be arriving. Aphrodite holds Baal in her arms.

She along with her caretaker and two royal escorts head to Alfheim. There they are received by King Yserah who is waiting for them.

King Yserah places his arm on Aphrodite and looks down at Baal.
'A handsome boy, strong and wise. I can see it in his face. So much like his mother. When he comes of age, I will have the finest tutors teach him. If that meets with your approval, Lady Asherah.'

Aphrodite smiles 'That would be grand. It is an excellent gift. I thank you.'

King Yserah touches her son and speaks the blessings of Alfheim which he bestows as King upon this child. Baal shall be considered a friend to Alfheim.

Aphrodite says 'King Yserah, I need to use the portal room. I must take my son to see his father.'

King Yserah knows that Yahweh passed through the portal and did not return, but he does not mention it.

King Yserah says 'Bring your son to Yahweh? Was he not present at the birth? A father not present for the birth of his son, it is inconceivable.'

She explains what happened the last time she saw Yahweh. That he seemed frightened and worried.

Aphrodite says 'I wonder if it is because of his kind, the Jauntian. How they never speak to each other.'

King Yserah says 'In my opinion Lady Asherah, please do not take offense to you or your child. Any father who would not be present for the birth of his son and would run away in fear of it, is a coward in my eyes.'

Aphrodite is a bit shocked by this, yet she knows King Yserah is one to speak his mind.

She says 'Nevertheless, I shall go to him. He shall see his son and maybe that will calm his fears. Whatever they may be.'

King Yserah says 'Yes, please come. I shall escort you to the portal room myself.' They go to the hall of portals.

Aphrodite says 'If you will all please remain here, this is something I must do on my own. I am in no danger, so do not worry for me.'

She turns toward the portal and takes a deep breath. Baal gurgles and smiles.

Aphrodite looks down at him. 'It is time to meet your father.'

She steps through the portal. On the other side, it looks as if though someone has been living nearby. There are drawings all over the small rocks and illustrations within the sand.

Aphrodite looks at them. These are strange and do not make much sense. There are some that resemble creatures like Yahweh's kind fleeing from a single one.

Then it shows the single one fleeing from a woman holding a child. Aphrodite finds this unnerving.

She calls out 'Yahweh, it is me Asherah. Come, your son is born. I wish you to look upon him. He is very handsome and strong.'

There is no reply, only the sound of a gentle breeze on the wind.

Aphrodite becomes sterner 'I know you can hear me. I don't understand. You are breaking my heart. Please, come look upon your son.'

She continues to call out to Yahweh with no reply.

Aphrodite walks around and looks more at the illustrations and is startled by one in the sand.

There is an illustration of a being that looks like Yahweh holding a dagger high in his hands. In front of him is an altar with a small child.

Whatever this illustration meant, it was made by Yahweh. Aphrodite is frightened. She does not understand. Yet deep down inside, she still wishes for Yahweh to see his son.

Out of anger and sadness, Aphrodite says 'If you will not come to look upon your son, then do not ever come back and look upon me. You hurt me today, in more ways than you can understand. And you have hurt your own son.

I will leave you now, if that is what you wish. Your son will not grow up in this place of loneliness. He will grow up around those who wish to be part of something bigger than themselves. You have chosen what you wish to do. Now I have chosen what I wish to do.'

Aphrodite leaves with Baal in her arms.

Yahweh is crouched behind a rock. He bangs his head against it and weeps.

A tear rolls down her cheek as Aphrodite steps back through the portal.

King Yserah places his hands on her arms and says 'He did not come.'

Aphrodite looks into Yserah's eyes 'You were right.'

King Yserah says 'He has made his choice. There are many others around your child here who would stand up in the place Yahweh has chosen to vacate.

Your brother Poseidon, your good friend Ares, his majesty King of the Olympians Zeus, and I myself. We would all be here to help you raise your child.

If Yahweh chooses not to, then we shall be the strong male figures in his life. If you permit us to be. What is the child's name?'

Aphrodite says 'It came to me in a dream, I named him Baal.'

King Yserah says 'Then Baal shall have the finest tutors and instructors. I myself shall teach him the ways of Alfheim. He is always welcome here. If you would allow me to, I shall proclaim him as an adopted son of the King of Alfheim.'

This is a great blessing for a King of a realm to consider a child that isn't his an adopted son.

Aphrodite is delighted and smiles. 'Thank you for everything you do. You bestow true blessings upon me and my son. I shall return to Olympus. They are having 19 days of celebration in honor of my son Baal.'

King Yserah says 'I received the message and invitation from Zeus. I shall accompany you back if you desire.'

Aphrodite smiles 'Yes, I would.'

King Yserah takes Aphrodite's arm in his. They go to Olympus as the celebrations are about to begin.

Rising Darkness in Jotunheim...

It is a few months after the birth of Baal. Aphrodite received many gifts for her son. The Olympians adore Baal.

Ares crafted Baal a small wooden sword and said 'One day he will grasp this and it will be strong in his hands. His strength will flow through him as it does through you.'

Aphrodite decided that Baal will need his own room for his gifts. She still enjoys him sleeping next to her and she deeply loves and cares for him.

He should have a chamber of his own to use as he grows old. For this addition, Aphrodite turns to her friend Hephaestus.

Aphrodite has never forgotten what Hephaestus did to save her beauty. She feels indebted to him for his sacrifice and knows he has a deep longing love for her. Her own feelings for him grow stronger.

They spend time walking together in the gardens of Olympus. Hephaestus has a scarred and disfigured face, but his heart is pure.

Hephaestus is a great craftsman. Not only does he craft the finest armor and weapons, but he is also a great builder. He is the architect behind many of the structures in Mount Olympus.

Aphrodite asks him to help her with an extension on her villa. Hephaestus and his workmen show up. She goes over her plans with them and decides it shall be a playroom.

Hephaestus says 'I will make it grand and beautiful like you are.'

Just then an elven messenger from Alfheim arrives at her villa with a message. Aphrodite opens the scroll and reads over it.

Hephaestus says 'I do not mean to intrude, my lady. Is it important news?'

Aphrodite shares with him what the message says. King Yserah asks her to accompany him to Jotunheim. He desires to see the process of integration under the rule of Alfheim.

Hephaestus replies 'The renegade Jotunn Queen could attack the capital at any time. It would be dangerous for you to go there. Also for your son.'

Aphrodite says 'I will not bring Baal with me. My caretaker shall look after him while I am gone. I must go there.

I was once offered by King Frostcag himself to look in his library. There is something I must find.

I will be in no danger, King Yserah himself will have his royal guards there. I shall remain within the capital of Jotunheim itself.'

Hephaestus says 'I see you have thought this through, as always. I trust you will not be in any danger.'

Aphrodite smiles 'I hope to see the new room for my soon Baal when I return.'

She makes her preparations and informs her caretaker. Poseidon is reluctant for her to go, but trusts in King Yserah to take care of her.

Aphrodite kisses Baal on the head and then leaves with the messenger to Alfheim. There the Elven King is waiting for her. She informs him that she desires to study in the Jotunheim library.

King Yserah asks 'What is it you are looking for? Maybe I have it here in my library.'

Aphrodite replies 'No, I don't think you do. I tried to research it when I was here a while ago.

It is about Yahweh and his Jauntian kind. When I took Baal to see him, he had strange drawings on the ground.

I believe they must relate to what his kind really are. Maybe the information is in the Jotunheim library. If it is there, I want to find it.'

King Yserah smiles 'You will have full access to the library while you are there. I shall have the Proctor Flamebeard accompany you there. He is dwarven, but I have named him Proctor of Jotunheim. He is a go-between for my armies and the citizens there.'

Aphrodite feels that deep within the Jotunheim library, she may find answers to Yahweh's strange behavior and the drawings he drew in the sands.

The Elven King escorts her to where his royal elite guards are waiting. He turns to his most trusted general, Alakin Silverleaf.

King Yserah says 'Alfheim is yours. Protect her if any danger should come.'

Alakin says 'I will your majesty. You shall return to your kingdom as you see it now.'

Aphrodite travels with King Yserah, the council, and his royal guard to Jotunheim. They arrive upon the steps of the capital. There is a heavy military presence.

She looks down at the city behind the great walls. Aphrodite gets a sense of despair as she looks over the dwellings and beings.

King Yserah says 'Lady Asherah, the heavy snows will come soon and it will be quite cold. We should go inside.'

They enter into the grand fortress where they are greeted by Raugunitar and Flamebeard.

Raugunitar bows 'Your majesty, all is in order for your inspection.'

King Yserah says 'Good, the Administrators on the Elven Council have heard concerns about what is happening. About the treatment you have been giving our loyal subjects here in Jotunheim. I brought them here with me to show them that there are no concerns. It is simply dissented gossip.'

Raugunitar says 'My King and Council Administrators, let me show you the operations here in Jotunheim. You can see for yourself that these are just rumors.'

King Yserah looks at Aphrodite and says 'Flamebeard here shall show you to the library. You may go with him and I will send two guards to escort you.'

Aphrodite responds 'I will not need the escort. I trust Flamebeard with my safety, I am sure he will not let any harm befall me.'

King Yserah says 'Very well then.' He leaves with the others for the inspection.

Flamebeard says 'Come this way Lady Asherah, I shall show you to the library.'

She follows him through the hallways and corridors. There is a long silence between them and neither of them speaks.

Aphrodite thinks to herself about the rumors of Raugunitar's occupation of Jotunheim.

There are rumors of cruelty and even slavery. She decides it is best to hear it from someone she trusts who lives here.

Aphrodite breaks the silence and asks 'Tell me, are the rumors true? Is Raugunitar's occupation as brutal as some say?'

Flamebeard says 'It depends on who you wish to hear it from my lady. Yserah has named me Proctor, what I can tell you must first be approved by him.'

Aphrodite says 'I am not Yserah. I am Lady Asherah of the Olympians, Divine Goddess of Love and Beauty. I am asking you myself. Tell me, how do you all fare here under the occupation?'

Flamebeard pauses for a long moment without saying a word. Then he speaks 'The occupation is as brutal as they say. Even the slightest words of rebellion or speech of the exiled Queen can lead to banishment and sentence to Svartalfheim.

What are called refugees by the Alfheim King are not really refugees. They are slaves under the Goblin Queen. Even here slavery reigns, my kinfolk toil deep within the mountains to bring up the eternal fire.'

Aphrodite says 'The eternal fire, I have heard of this. It lights all the lanterns and fires in all the realms.'

Flamebeard says 'Yes my lady, long ago many trees had to fall to heat the fires to warm the homes or to cook the food. The eternal fires offer a replacement for that so the trees may grow.'

Aphrodite says 'And to think, Moonstone is responsible for all that goes on now.'

Flamebeard chuckles 'You got it all wrong lass, Moonstone is not who you think he is or what the rumors wish him to be. He wasn't always this way. If it wasn't for him, the eternal fires may have never been discovered.'

Aphrodite says 'But I thought you discovered them.'

Flamebeard says 'I did, but I didn't know how to get them out of where they were deep in the mountain. Everything we tried to do to bring up the eternal fires, they would burn through. Many dwarves and jotunn suffered.

It was Moonstone who crafted the first firestone container so we could bring up the eternal fires. From Olympus to Alfheim the lanterns contain them.

That is all from Moonstone. It was his discovery that allowed the eternal fires to be contained. He once cared and was connected to the elements, the rocks, and the stones.

All until the day he found the puzzle piece. Then it twisted him, as dark and wicked as any dwarf could never have been. You see lass, the victors in the war always enjoy the spoils of the conquered.'

They walk up to a large door and Flamebeard says 'The Jotunheim library, here is the key. Please lock up as soon as you are done. I will be right down the hallway here, I have some matters to attend to.'

Aphrodite says 'Thank you Flamebeard. When I am done, I shall come find you.'

Flamebeard says 'Take your time lass.' He leaves down the hallway into another room.

Aphrodite unlocks the door to the library and pushes it open. The library is grand. She searches through books and manuscripts that could explain the mysterious divine Jauntian.

After looking around for a few hours, she finds something. As she reads through the book she discovers what little is known about the Jauntian.

It seems they are elusive divine beings. Only coming together for what is called the Great Ritual. There they choose a mate and breed. After that, they live solitary lives.

Aphrodite reads more about the Great Ritual. It is said that in this ritual, the firstborn sons would be sacrificed to keep the balance of their realm.

Their blood must be spilled upon the ground so their kind may thrive. Only the firstborn sons are sacrificed. Daughters and second borns are spared.

The book also says that mothers who try to hide their firstborn sons would be punished. Aphrodite thinks back to something Yahweh told her once about a memory of his mother. She left him in a small cave on a sandstone mountain. He remembered she was crying.

This gives her answers as to why Yahweh did what he did. Maybe he did not want to sacrifice his firstborn son. Aphrodite thinks back to her last feelings when she took Baal and was calling out to Yahweh in his realm.

Just then there is a commotion. Aphodite closes the book and puts it into her bag. She goes out of the library and sees Flamebeard standing in the corridor. Many elven guards are running.

Aphrodite asks 'What is happening?'

Flamebeard says 'It appears there is an intruder. You should come with me lass.'

Aphrodite responds 'An intruder? Who?'

Flamebeard says 'They say a Ourhkina has come to help Fogbeard escape. It is dangerous lass, you should come with me.'

Aphrodite is intrigued 'A Ourhkina?' She runs off in the direction following the guards.

Flamebeard calls out to her 'Lass, it is dangerous! Do not go down there!'

Shortly before the commotion, Fogbeard sits behind a desk in a cell down below. He has one hand missing and his feet are chained to the floor. Fogbeard is drawing weapon designs for King Yserah and his armies.

Fogbeard sighs in sadness 'And here I sit. Designing weapons to kill my own kinfolk. Is it all gone? Everything that was great in Jotunheim. Has what we once were all been forgotten? Have I been forgotten?'

Someone touches him on the shoulder and says 'I haven't forgotten you, old friend.'

The dwarf turns as he recognizes the voice. The Ourhkina is clad in heavy armor and has a helm covering his face.

Fogbeard smiles 'EinossArku, I am glad to see you, my friend. What are you here for? A Ourhkina presence within Jotunheim? Does Raugunitar or King Yserah seek council of the Ourhkina?'

EinossArku replies 'I am not here for council. I am here for something else.'

Fogbeard asks 'What would that be?'

EinossArku says 'I have come to get you out of here. I need your help Fogbeard.'

Fogbeard says 'That would be impossible. The chains are made from urthak. Even your spear could not break them.'

EinossArku says 'I will do what I can, but you must come with me. There is a darkness rising from the lands of the dead.

Fogbeard asks 'You mean Moonstone?'

EinossArku replies 'I think this goes beyond Moonstone. Those against him do not understand the power within the puzzle piece he possesses.

I need your help. I need you to come to the borderlands with me. There is someone who can help bring an end to Moonstone and the darkness that empowers him.'

Fogbeard says 'I will go with you then. Better I live as an outlaw on the run than sit here and design weapons of war to kill my own kind. Let me see the tip of your spear.'

EinossArku places the tip of his spear in front of Fogbeard. The dwarf takes in a deep breath and blows out his icy breath on it. The tip of the spear glows bright blue.

Fogbeard says 'Strike the chains now. We will have to hurry, it will alert the guards.'

EinossArku strikes down on one of the chains and it shatters. A guard peers in and sounds the alarm.

The elven guard calls for a mage to seal off the room and place a silent radius around it so none may escape by casting portals.

EinossArku breaks down upon the other chain and Fogbeard is freed. As Arku tries to cast a portal, nothing seems to work.

Fogbeard says 'There is a silent radius around us. We will have to find another way out.'

EinossArku says 'Stay behind me.'

Fogbeard replies 'If you kill them then you will be an outlaw too. They have not yet seen your face.'

EinossArku says 'I am not going to kill them, but they are in for a fight.'

Arku raises his hand and the door comes flying off. Elven guards rush into the room. Arku takes the blunt end of his spear to strike them unconscious.

The elven mage casts energy projectiles against him and Arku deflects them with his spear.

They hear the sounds of other guards rushing forward. Arku fights his way through them. He does not kill them, he only knocks them back.

EinossArku and Fogbeard make their way down to a larger chamber and find themselves surrounded by elven guards.

Raugunitar steps forward and says 'Ourhkina, how dare you! Melek Taus and the council shall hear of this. Now surrender!'

EinossArku points his spear 'There will be no surrender you tyrant. I have not shed the blood of any of your guards. I will leave here and you will not stand in my way.'

Raugunitar draws his sword 'So be it.' He leaps into the air attacking Arku. They spar back and forth. Aphrodite and King Yserah have found their way down to the chamber.

Arku sidesteps Raugunitar's strike and smacks him on the back of the head with the blunt end of his spear. Raugunitar is knocked to the ground unconscious.

King Yserah yells 'Stop them! Do not let them get away!'

A strange rift opens in the chamber behind Arku and Fogbeard. They go through the rift and it closes before the guards get close.

Raugunitar wakes up and stands. 'I will not allow them to escape. I will hunt them down.'

King Yserah says 'We must act quickly. If a Ourhkina has joined the side of Moonstone, then the council must be informed. I shall go to them myself.'

Aphrodite says 'Do you believe this was an attack set up by Moonstone?'

King Yserah says 'Yes, I do. Fogbeard is the greatest engineer known among the realms. He is invaluable to our campaign against the Bentian. If he has enlisted the aid of a renegade Ourhkina, then the council must be informed.'

A messenger rushes his way into the chamber and bows. 'My King, urgent message from the Goblin Queen of Svartalfheim.'

King Yserah opens the scroll and reads the message. An angry look crosses his face as he crumbles the scroll in his hands.

Raugunitar asks 'What is it my King?'

King Yserah says 'The refugee camp is in an uprise. It seems they have been infiltrated by enemy spies. I will have you take a small force there to make sure peace endures. Do this and then return to your duties here.

I myself shall go before the council and great houses, but first I will speak to Melek Taus. I must inform him there is a renegade Ourhkina among them in league with the Bentian. I need the name of this Ourhkina and only Melek Taus would know.'

The Elven King turns to Aphrodite 'Lady Asherah, I apologize. I will have a royal guard escort you back to Olympus.'

Aphrodite says 'I shall stay here for now. I discovered what I was looking for in the Jotunheim library, but there is much more I wish to find out. I trust Flamebeard with my protection as you trust him to be Proctor.'

Flamebeard says 'I shall see that no harm befalls her.'

King Yserah says 'Very well then Asherah. And yes Flamebeard, ensure that no harm befalls her.'

They give each other a look and unspoken words are exchanged between them.

Aphrodite is again in the Jotunheim library, but she is not alone. Flamebeard is there with her trying to help her find more information about the divine beings called the Jauntian.

Thor and Freya enter into the library and Aphrodite stands to greet them. They have concerned looks on their faces and she can sense it is urgent.

Freya says 'We heard you were here Asherah, maybe you can help us. We came with an urgent message for Raugunitar and discovered he was dispatched somewhere else.'

Aphrodite says 'I will help you in any way you need. What is it? What is happening?'

Thor says 'We have been scouting the blacklace forest and the high mountains. We discovered the encampment of the Jotunn Queen and the Volwynn army.

She is also there with many supporters who have gathered to her. We noticed another strange mutilated being there as an emissary for Moonstone. We believe Moonstone will arrive there soon.'

Freya says 'We must know their plan. When I heard you were here I knew you could probably help us. We need to find a way to sneak in and discover what plans they are making.

Once we learn of it, we can take it to the council and the pantheons. You are very wise in the studies of magic. Can you disguise us to get in there?'

Thor says 'You can make us invisible, you could enchant our cloaks.'

Aphrodite says 'No, that will not work. Trolls can see invisible enchantments. However, while I was pregnant with my child, I discovered an incantation to take on the appearance of other beings.

We could disguise ourselves as Volwynn and enter the camp. Hopefully, we can get close enough to listen in on the plans of Moonstone, the Jotunn Queen, and the Volwynn Chieftess.'

Freya says 'A perfect plan.'

Aphrodite says 'It will take me a little time to prepare the enchantment. I need concentration, I will come to you when I am ready.'

Thor says 'We will be waiting.'

Freya says 'I will acquire the proper armor and clothing so we can appear to be Volwynn warriors.'

Aphrodite concentrates on the enchantment and makes it into the form of a potion. Flamebeard brings her all the necessary herbs and supplies.

Flamebeard says 'My lady Asherah, if I may ask. Will you deliver one message for me?'

Aphrodite asks 'What is that message?'

Flamebeard says 'Tell our Queen that Jotunheim stands with her and we need her now more than ever.'

Aphrodite smiles 'I will try.'

She finishes making the disguise potion. Freya and Thor return with the armor. As they gather, Aphrodite gives them each a vial of the potion and they drink it.

Aphrodite takes on the appearance of a volwynn fox, Thor a volywnn bear, and Freya a volywnn tiger.

Flamebeard casts a portal to the blacklace forest in the high mountains and the three go through.

Aphrodite, Thor, and Freya make their way through the forest to a large encampment down in the valley below. There are many volwynn, jotunn, trolls, and dwarves.

The exiled Jotunn Queen Frigia speaks with the Volwynn Chieftess Jaiddaka.

Frigia says 'It is a proud day for you. Grandmother to a newborn, born here in Jotunheim. A strong male cub I hear.'

Jaiddaka says 'Yes, he is strong. I ask if he may receive your blessing. As you know, his father was lost in the last battle against Raugunitar.'

Frigia says 'Present him forward.'

A female bear shifter walks in holding a small cub in her arms 'This is my son Shaddaka, son of the great volwynn warrior Thaddaka.'

The Jotunn Queen Frigia places her hand on the young volwynn cub. 'I bless this child, as I bless the union between Volheim and Jotunheim. I cannot thank you all enough.

Those who fight and the families who have come with them. It is because of you that I shall recapture my kingdom and drive the invaders from my lands.'

Volwynn, jotunn, troll, and dwarf alike cheer around her. Aphrodite notices the camp is full of young volwynn children and families.

A dark presence looms over the camp as a rift opens and Moonstone walks through with two mutilated beings. The crowd starts growling and sneering.

The Jotunn Queen raises her hand for them all to be silent.

Frigia says 'Moonstone, I received your message. I have not yet explained to the others why you are here.'

She turns and speaks to the crowd 'Moonstone has shown me the vision of King Yserah murdering my mother. Him along with his minion, Raugunitar. They are the ones who killed the Queen.'

Frigia casts an orb in her hand and a vision projects into the air. The crowd watches the vision from Moonstone with his version of the death of the Jotunn Queen Helginin.

Frigia says 'If Moonstone had not survived, we would now be at each other's throats. It is he who has brought me this information. It is he who wishes to see Jotunheim strong again.'

Moonstone speaks 'That I do. Fellow brothers and sisters, King Yserah and the council has robbed you of your lands. Although Volehim may seem distant and safe, they will come there too. King Yserah already has plans for this.'

Frigia says 'Then I must recapture my kingdom now.'

Moonstone says 'Aye, that is true my Queen, but we will need more to take the capital itself. There is the great fortress which protects the mountain pass. The Nordic pantheon guards it themselves.

However my Queen, our fellow brothers and sisters who have been taken to Svartalfheim are uprising. They have forced the Goblin Queen into her own palace and now surround her.

King Yserah sends Raugunitar there to Svartalfheim to quell the uprising and kill more of our kind. Those who do not die will return to the bondage of slavery under the despicable Goblin Queen.

I suggest that with my help, the volwynn attack the fortress which protects the mountain pass. The fortress will be overwhelmed and victory assured.

You yourself my Queen, you should go to Svartalfheim and protect your loyal subjects there before Raugunitar brings them to slaughter.'

The Jotunn Queen clenches her fist 'I will go there and I will free my people. I will return with them and the head of Raugunitar.

When I recapture my capital, I will place his head upon the great gates as a reminder to the Elven King of what happens to those who try to conquer Jotunheim and its people.'

Moonstone replies 'Ah, but I have more plans for King Yserah. My new ally from the borderlands will assure a swift victory. You see, I have gathered the mighty forces of the dark elves and those he oppresses within his lands.

They will go take the kingdom of Alfheim and we shall dethrone King Yserah. His head will be placed upon the gates of the Alfheim capital. We will let it be known to those who would oppress the realms for their own desires, that they shall die.'

Many in the crowd cheer all around. Aphrodite, Thor, and Freya gathered the information they needed. They leave unnoticed and slip out through the blacklace forest.

Thor says 'Freya, we must get to the fortress that protects the mountain pass. Many of our brothers and sisters are there. They will not be ready. We must make defenses and hold as long as we can.'

Aphrodite says 'I shall go warn King Yserah about the danger coming to Alfheim.'

She returns through a portal to the capital of Jotunheim. She tells Flamebeard the situation and apologizes for not delivering his message.

Flamebeard smiles 'Do not worry lass, I believe she already got the message.'

Aphrodite gathers her things and returns to Olympus. She takes a moment to hold and embrace her son Baal. King Yserah should be arriving soon to speak to the council.

She checks on the work of Hephaestus. Most of the room is already complete. Aphrodite gazes at how marvelous he is. Every attention to detail is in place with nothing spared. He has done excellent work.

Hephaestus wipes his hands and walks up to Aphrodite while she holds Baal in her arms. 'I should be finished in a few days. What do you think so far?'

Aphrodite smiles 'It is magnificent. I am truly astonished.'

Hephaestus smiles and tickles the baby 'And what do you think young Baal?' The baby gurgles and smiles at him.

With the arrival of King Yserah, Aphrodite gives Baal to her caretaker. She makes her way to the steps of the council chambers.

Aphrodite informs the Elven King of what she discovered in Jotunheim.

King Yserah says 'You took a great risk in going, but I am glad. I will make the proper preparations. First, I must address the council.'

Aphrodite says 'I shall wait here. I want to know what the council says.'

Hephaestus approaches as she waits on the steps. He smiles and says 'It seems you are everywhere that I have work to be done. I have come to resculpt some pillars around the outer edge of the council chambers.'

Aphrodite smiles 'Please, do not let me keep you from your work. I am simply waiting for King Yserah.'

They notice an elven guard rush forward up the steps. He looks battered and says he has an urgent message for the council. The other guards let him in.

After some time, the council doors open and many come out. Aphrodite asks the Elven King 'What happened?'

King Yserah says 'The fortress guarding the mountain pass is under heavy siege and the Nordic divine are there with no escape. If the mountain pass falls, it will be a gateway for the armies to descend upon the capital.

I presented to them all the information you gave me, but there is more. The Void King seems to be building a large army. It is unknown what he plans to do with it.

The King of the Void has gone mad. It is said that any who question him get dismembered and impaled in his throne room.

The council has decided that myself and several representatives of the houses shall go there to speak to him personally. The Void was once aligned with the pantheons and houses until the Void King descended into madness.'

Aphrodite says 'I shall accompany you.'

King Yserah says 'You would have to ask Zeus. He is traveling with us. Here he comes now.'

The King of the Olympians walks up and King Yserah informs him that Aphrodite would like to join them to the Void.

Zeus says 'Aphrodite is quite wise and has a way of uncovering things. I would be delighted and very fortunate to have her along. You may join us.'

Aphrodite says 'I must make preparations. When are we leaving?'

Zeus says 'The emissaries will gather here. We shall leave tomorrow. You have time to make all the preparations you need. Our brother Poseidon will also join us.'

Aphrodite returns to her villa and cradles Baal in her arms. She sends for Hephaestus and he arrives in the early evening.

Aphrodite says 'I need you to stay here with Baal. I am going with Zeus and Yserah to the Void kingdom, they are in need of my help. Will you watch over my villa and protect my son? These are dangerous times and he is so precious to me.'

Hephaestus says 'I would be honored. He will be safe with me.'

They share dinner together and then Hephaestus leaves for the night. Aphrodite and Baal go to sleep in her chambers.

That night Aphrodite has a strange dream. She dreams of the volwynn camp, but it is not as it was. There are volwynn fleeing, both young and old.

Something is devouring them and pulling them into the darkness. She then sees a single figure standing off in the distance. It is a strange black figure with red eyes and tentacles.

Aphrodite awakens feeling troubled from her nightmare. It is not yet morning and Baal is still sleeping. Is the volywnn camp in danger? She must see for herself.

After getting dressed and gathering some of her things, she tells her caretaker that she will be back shortly. There is something she must see. Her caretaker agrees and sits in a chair next to Baal as he sleeps.

Aphrodite remembers the incantation Flambeard used to cast a portal to the blacklace forest in the high mountains. She speaks it and the portal opens. She makes her way down to the valley.

She sees the volwynn camp but it is empty. Something strange and dark has come through. Something evil.

Aphrodite is frightened and speaks an incantation for a portal back to her villa in Olympus. She realizes her nightmare was not just a dream, it was a vision like so many others she had. She is unable to sleep for the rest of the night.

In the morning a messenger arrives to gather her for the journey to the Void. Aphrodite says goodbye to Baal and kisses him on the head. She thanks Hephaestus and tells him she will return soon.

As Aphrodite approaches Zeus and Yserah, she sees a concerned look upon their faces. They are discussing something.

Zeus says 'Asherah, it is good to see you. We will be leaving soon.'

Aphrodite asks 'Is there something wrong? What happened?'

Zeus says 'The fortress in the mountain pass has fallen.'

Aphrodite is worried 'And the Nordic divine and other forces there? Have they perished?'

Zeus says 'They escaped but at a great cost.'

King Yserah says 'The Queen of the Nordic pantheon Ghetheria and her hundred shieldmaidens have fallen in battle, but is how they fell that frightens us all.'

Zeus says 'The reports the Nordic divine brought back are that the volwynn were slaughtered, but Moonstone raised them from the dead and turned them into undead.'

Aphrodite thinks of her nightmare. Did Moonstone turn all the families of the volwynn warriors into undead too? What is he planning?'

King Yserah says 'This was an unforeseen event. It has proven to us that Moonstone is more powerful than we anticipated.'

Zeus says 'If Moonstone is able to somehow convince the Void King to join with him, he will have an endless army. Even if the void army is totally defeated and killed he will raise them into undead.'

King Yserah says 'We shall go then to the Void. Asherah will help us uncover anything kept secret from us.'

Aphrodite says 'I will do my best. The answer to this unknown darkness and evil is out there somewhere. Of who is truly behind this.'

Zeus says 'Then let us go and discover what is happening in the Void.'

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