Chapter 681: Cold World War
“Argrave has to die.”
Following that declaration, Jaray blew a puff of smoke from his mouth. He looked between countless gods arrayed here, who’d come either in-person or through emissaries. Following the tremendous display with the suns, doubts about the amiability of the newly-elected leader of the Blackgard Union had come into fruition in the form of this secret meeting. If Argrave would do something like that without consulting them, what more would he do? It was clear he didn’t have as much an interest in their opinion as he’d claimed.
“He’s gone to tremendous lengths to make sure that all of the cards remain in his hand,” Jaray continued. “When the final hand is dealt, and he alone decides what to do about the cycle of judgment, none of us will have any place remaining in his new order.”
“You claimed to me privately not a month ago that his efforts would lead to the end of all divinity,” one of the assembled gods noted. “The story’s a little different now.”
“I can’t prove it any longer.” Jaray shook his head. “I believe it, but the Heralds can’t back up my words. Their tongues have been cut off, effectively. Argrave decided that when he stole the souls of every living being and hid them away in his new sun. It’s emblematic of his intents toward all of us. To deprive without asking. To ‘help’ without consideration. Who’s to say what power he actually gained from it?”
“What are you suggesting?” another god questioned.
Jaray tipped his pipe, and ashes tumbled out. “Perhaps he can exert control as Gerechtigkeit intended to. Or perhaps, with just a thought, he could sever someone’s tie with their soul, killing them instantly. If either is true, he has all mortalkind in the palm of his hands. From rats to humans, cats to elves… in one fell swoop, he took it all. He can’t be allowed to do it again.”
“If he had any intention of cooperating, he could once again head to Law’s Court and explain himself. No—he remains in Blackgard, martialing his power, bringing every god and mortal that’s both loyal and powerful to prepare for Gerechtigkeit.” Another of the assembled wistfully shook their head. “If he intended to, he could’ve become a god long ago. That he hasn’t speaks of his intents. Argrave fights for the mortals alone.”
“Well said,” Jaray concurred. “But you mentioned a rather significant problem—one that’s the explanation for why I’ve brought us all here, rather overtly.” He raised his hand up. “Argrave remains in the heart of his power, building up more and more defenses around himself day by day. Some of the mortals surrounding him are nearly equal to gods in power, and even the gods are either too blindly trusting or simply don’t care about their own fate. Perhaps, idealistically, they believe their deaths would better serve this planet.”