Path of the Hive Queen

Regina looked at the statue of Alianais for a long moment. It looked the same as ever. She still felt something in the temple, a little bit. It seemed like having Alianais’ Mark placed on her had come with a little sensitivity to divine magic, or maybe it was just her magical senses being good enough to catch it regardless. But she couldn’t really tell anything else, get any details or analyze what had changed.

Iseis or Anuis would probably have a better sense for it, being Champions. She glanced at Iseis briefly, noting the subdued tension both she and the rest of her companions felt. They weren’t nervous about being here, though.

Taking a deep breath to collect herself, Regina took a step forward, bowed her head just to be polite, and spoke.

“Goddess Alianais, do you hear me? I have come as asked. I request you turn your attention here and allow me to speak to you.”

She didn’t have to wait long. It was almost as if Alianais had been waiting for her. Maybe she had been. Almost as soon as Regina finished, she felt something change, and then there was another mind and magical signature here; too opaque to tell anything about, but recognizable.

Regina watched as Alianais faded into view over half a second, directly in front of them. It took Regina a moment to realize she had simply replaced the statue of herself, which was missing now. The goddess stood up immediately but unhurriedly.

She looked the same as before, but her presence looked somehow austere in the colorful room with the painted walls. Well, not exactly the same. Instead of a dress, this time she was wearing a suit that should have reminded Regina of better times, but only reminded her of what Deirianon had worn the one time she’d seen him in person.

“Regina,” the goddess said; not quietly, but softly enough that Regina wondered for a moment if Alianais had doubted whether she’d come. She nodded at her.

Regina inclined her head in response. Showing respect cost her nothing. She didn’t thank her for coming, though, since Alianais was the one who had asked her to come.

“And company,” Alianais added, smiling slightly as she looked at the rest of the group. Her eyes lingered on Janis for a fraction of a second longer than on the others, even Iseis. But she’d probably talked to Iseis before more than once, anyway.

“It’s an honor to see you again, my lady,” Janis said smoothly.

Alianais received the words as her due with regal composure and turned her attention back to Regina. “There is much to speak about.”

The reminder sent a cold prickle down her neck. Regina nodded. “The Mesen,” she responded, making herself say it. “You said they’re here. Or coming here.”

Alianais’ expression also grew colder at the name of her old enemy. “That is what we fear,” she confirmed.

“It’s unlike you to admit to fear,” Iseis muttered. Then she looked like she might not have wanted to say that out loud, but wasn’t going to take it back.

The goddess frowned at her, but she didn’t chastise her or anything, just turned her attention back to the conversation and continued.

“We are still uncertain of the details. We have received warnings, from several of my priests and other persons with appropriate skills, such as Seer Classes. Leianaleine is currently still looking for further information. What seems undeniable is that the Mesen have or will shortly become aware of our existence. It does not appear an invasion is imminent, but at least individual Mesen must have found us. If I had to guess, there is probably a small scout team or scout ship here, or nearby.”

Regina nodded. That fit what she’d thought, actually. It was good to hear they didn’t see an invasion in the immediate future. Though she wondered how long ‘Imminent’ would be.

“Hypothetically, if we managed to kill those scouts and stop them from reporting back, would that prevent any such invasion?” Janis asked. She sounded calm, hiding the anxiety Regina knew she felt.

Alianais turned to look at her again and smiled slightly. “A good thought, young princess, but unfortunately, it would still be a roll of the dice at best. We have little way to trace their communication, and it is entirely possible that disappearing without sending word back will only alert the Mesen even more, or, at least, cause them to send a greater force to investigate or as a rescue party. That does not mean action is worthless; naturally we should try to kill all such scouts if we possibly can. It simply means we should plan for that not yielding the results we would hope.”

“I would agree with that,” Regina muttered. “Hopefully, if we find them, we can interrogate them to find out more information.”

“Naturally,” Alianais agreed. “We will be relying on you in this regard, Regina, given your psychic power.”

Regina paused for a moment. She hadn’t thought about it like that, but it made sense. “Of course.”

“If I may, Lady Alianais,” Iseis spoke up, “one question. You say ‘we’. May we assume the rest of the gods are involved, or were you simply speaking of yourself and Leian?”

Alianais’ expression darkened slightly at the question, although she nodded sharply at Iseis.

“Unfortunately, we is indeed a smaller group than I would have hoped,” she said. “Largely just Leian and I. We have consulted with other gods, or attempted to, but … well, that is what I wanted to show you. The others are resistant. The sole exception is perhaps Benerron. He has been helpful at locating other persons who might provide useful insight.”

Well, I suppose it’s good that she and Leian are working together, at least, Regina mused, trying not to feel resigned. This wasn’t what she’d wanted to hear. I guess they did have issues but got over them, at least enough to work together.

“Benerron?” she asked. “I admit, I’m not very sure about his position in all this. I had the impression he hasn’t truly joined Derianon’s group, but he’s also not close with you?”

“Essentially.” Alianais looked like she was trying not to show a reaction. “He has mostly stuck to neutrality so far. He said he didn’t mind conflict, but he wasn’t inclined to champion either of us. He does appreciate his worship not being banned, but is still miffed at the reduced patronage of his temples, I think. Regardless, Benerron at least takes the threat of the Mesen seriously. I am confident he will join us in measures against them.” She paused for a moment. “Considering his reaction to the others’ intransigence, he might even be convinced fully onto our side.”

“You’ve alluded to this several times — are the other gods really not going to work together against this threat? At all?”

Alianais took half a step forward, raising her hand. “I think it is best if I show you what happened at the meeting that was called to discuss this matter. We met recently in the Mirrored Halls. This is only a replay, so you won’t be able to interact with anyone. Call out and I will pause it for a closer look if you need it. Please pay attention; I believe there may be something you might notice I have not. For lack of a better word, I feel something is … off here.”

Alianais actually paused here and gave her a slightly questioning look. Regina squared her shoulders and nodded.

Then they stood elsewhere, and Regina could see why Alianais had felt the need to warn them. This had been a bit disorienting. It felt and looked almost like they had actually stepped into the Celestial Home, although her other senses told her this was probably not the case. There was still a slight difference in the mana sense of    this place that told her she was actually still back in the temple.

They had seemingly been transported to a large hall. It wasn’t a part of the Mirrored Halls Regina had been in before, although it looked vaguely familiar for a reason she found hard to place. The room was big enough to house a church and the ceiling was slightly too low for a Gothic cathedral. That left it a bit big for the number of people around — maybe a dozen other than herself and her party. A quick check showed Alianais had included everyone.

That left the ten or so gods she was meant to watch. They were grouped in what clearly wasn’t a random pattern. About half of them stood a bit further back, and were unfamiliar to her. They were probably minor gods, the sort who didn’t have a large following, at least not here. Like Leian is supposed to be, Regina reflected, technically.

This probably wasn’t every god, but it had to be most of them, gathered here. Unfortunately, the gods didn’t conveniently wear their symbols on their outfits or carry signature artifacts, so it was hard to actually tell who was who.

Although Regina recognized some of them, of course.

Alianais was easy to make out. So was Leian; she was standing relatively close to her, but at an angle between Alianais and the group of gods opposite her, slightly back from them. Opposite Leian, a bit closer, was a man Regina identified as Benerron after a moment. He was tall, broad and kind of shaggy, although his hair was just short enough for the tips of his ears to be visible, pointed like the rest; his eyes were a burnished, reflective bronze. He’d currently crossed his arms over his chest (with impressive chest hair showcased since he was only wearing a vest) and was glaring at the other group.

Specifically, at a man who was considerably taller than even Benerron, looming over everyone. That god had paler skin but ink-dark hair and his eyes were a similar but slightly earthier shade. Regina supposed this was Gediarno. His own attention was fixed on their apparent leader, who stood a bit in front. Deirianon. Today he wore some kind of robe, in white, which might have brought out his eyes, but made him seem kind of washed-out in her opinion. He’d folded his hands and was just kind of glaring at Alianais. On his other side, almost disappearing into her companions’ shadow, was a surprisingly short woman in a floor-length black dress. She had dark hair with a bluish tint and eyes so solidly dark gray they were nearly black. Unlike the other gods, the shimmery quality of her skin seemed somehow subtler. This had to be Etainas.

Before Regina could wonder if Alianais had just showed them a still-life of the scene to start with, they began moving.

"Are you finally ready to admit you made a mistake?” Deirianon asked. His tone was calm, almost conversational, despite his words.

“Let’s please skip the posturing, Deir,” Alianais responded. “We all know why we’re here. And we’re all going to die if we don’t work together.”

The other gods shifted, and there was a moment of quiet — consternation at hearing it put so bluntly, Regina supposed.

Neither Deirianon nor his two companions reacted visibly. Instead, the god only tilted his head slightly. “A convenient thing to say, for a potential loser of a conflict, if they want to give up without losing face.”

“Oh please, the Empire is hardly losing the war,” Leian said. “And this is not the point. The Mesen are coming back. We need to deal with them, together.”

The other gods frowned faintly and Gediarno shook his head. “I am not convinced that is true,” he said. “On either account. Do you have proof that the Mesen are truly here? And even if they are, it would be rather premature and defeatist to assume we couldn’t beat them.”

Regina stared at him for a moment, hardly able to believe what she was hearing. They can’t really be this obtuse, can they? She had only heard of the Mesen from the gods’ stories, but he had lived through a war with them, hadn’t he? He should know how dangerous they were.

“No one suggests we simply give up and accept defeat, but look around you, Ged,” Alianais said sharply. “There are scarcely a dozen of us left. Do I truly need to remind you of everyone we lost in that fight? Along with our home? Do you truly think we could simply fight them off — not even all of us, but just a few of us?”

That response only made the big god scowl at her.

“Denial doesn’t suit him,” Alianais murmured. The Alianais who had stepped beside Regina, watching the scene in front of them. It was a little disorienting to see two versions of the same person so close together, even if it was pretty clear which one was the recording.

“I remember perfectly well,” Gediarno rumbled. “That was different, Alia. It was an entire invasion, bringing all their might to bear. Those ships are gone, those mages are dead. The warlord who led them is dead. Besides, you still haven’t provided any proof that they are really here. Or will be here. What is it you think, again?”

“Ged, please don’t play dumb,” Benerron cut in. He sounded exasperated. “Obviously it’s different now, but should we really assume they have grown weaker? Or be blithely optimistic and just assume the best case scenario?”

There was a low muttering from a few of the other gods, who seemed to be largely agreeing with him.

“I think Ged does raise a good question — Oh, don’t look at me like that, Ben,” Etainas scoffed. “I mean, why are we here, exactly? What information do you have? Let’s hear it.”

The recorded Alianais and Leian exchanged a quick look, before Alianais started talking. She went through every indication they had at length, leaving no detail out. Regina listened closely as well, taking mental notes of the details. It sounded like they had found at least half a dozen seers who had some kind of vision or insight into the situation. Alix was also included in her account.

“And this is merely what we have,” she concluded. “I am certain all of you must have more information to contribute. Else we wouldn’t be here. May I hear it?”

Deirianon and his companions visibly hesitated, but a few of the lesser gods spoke up.

“I heard of a prophet collapsing in the desert, rambling about vessels in the darkness,” a young-looking man said. “When questioned, he said it must have been the void between stars, and the ships were not of this world. I sent someone to interrogate him, but he had already taken his life, supposedly out of despair.”

Regina grimaced. That was bad. Poor guy. She took a hesitant step closer, to see everyone better.

Two other people also chimed in with stories; thankfully, those were less gruesome. The general tenor was pretty similar, though.

“I have heard of most of these cases,” Deirianon finally acknowledged. “Still, I believe you should calm yourselves. Nothing we have heard here has given us any sort of concrete timeline. For all we know, they could show up a hundred years in the future. And let us not forget that prophecy is always unreliable. Any number of things could happen to disrupt these visions. For now, I see no reason to lose our heads.”

“Deir, many seers all over the world suddenly saw similar warnings,” Alianais said. “Something must have happened.”

“This is still pure speculation. And even if the Mesen might be coming, do you expect us to simply stop everything we are doing? To drop everything for the chance we will have to fight them? And conveniently let the situation resolve itself in your favor?”

“Do you really believe what you’re saying?” Leian cut in, exasperated. “No one would want this fight. Our own conflict is bad enough. But we cannot be divided and fighting among ourselves when the Mesen come. Refusing to cooperate just increases the danger all of us are in.”

“We cannot?” Deirianon scowled at her. “You should be careful what you’re saying, Leianaleine.”

“I mean exactly what I say, Deirianon,” she countered. “Your obstinacy is putting all of us as well as the rest of the world in even worse danger, and you are not living up to your mantle.”

“You should show more respect,” he growled.

“Why, because you’re stronger than me?” Leian laughed darkly. “Don’t you get it, none of this matters! If a Mesen invasion force shows up, we’re all screwed, regardless of how many worshipers you have. You won’t fend them off with that.”

He shook his head. “If anyone is behaving foolishly here, it is you, little mage-lord. Mind your place. Your actions have already risked this world’s hard-earned peace and are bringing us closer to the brink with every day. I should have known you would keep acting like a spoiled child. Perhaps helping you ascend was truly a big mistake.”

Leian scoffed. “How ironic. The only reason you gave me the poisoned gift that is immortality was so I would still be around to do this. Because I knew the Mesen and could fight them, at least better than you could. And now they are returning … and you want to ignore me. Ignore my advice.”

“So, you want us to stop fighting and focus on chasing after shadows of Merses,” Etainas put in. “Probably pause or stop the war? That would, conveniently, leave your Hive Queen free to grow, to strengthen her people and expand. It would be much harder to deal with them later if we leave them unopposed now.”

“Is Regina really the problem right now?” Leian said, throwing up her hands.

“Perhaps if you showed you were willing to … compromise, as it were, we could keep talking about this,” Deirianon said. “Give us control of the Hive Queen and her people, let us deal with them. Then we can discuss preparations against potential Mesen activity.”

Alianais considered it. For a breathless moment, Regina watched the recording of the goddess and saw the conflict behind her eyes, and she knew she would. Regina couldn’t even really blame her. For the sake of protecting the world, what was a bit of death?

“That’s not much of a promise,” Alianais said after a moment.

“No,” Leian responded quietly, and surprisingly firmly. “That would be despicable of us and also foolishly short-sighted. The Empire is the largest industrial base in the world right now. We cannot afford to simply destroy that base when we may have to fight an invading army with much superior magic and technology. Not to mention their individual powers. They might be of at least some help.”

“Leian is right,” Alianais agreed. “The answer is no. That you would even ask this is disappointing.”

“Then you have decided,” Deirianon said. He shook his head, looking honestly disappointed.

“We will be leaving now,” Gediarno added.

“Truly?” Alianais sighed. “Can we not convince you to be reasonable?”

But it wasn’t to be. Regina watched as the gods left, blinking out of the hall one by one.

Beside her, Alianais snapped her fingers, and the scene froze. Then it dissolved. Regina took a deep breath, stretching her limbs, trying to ground herself with the sensation of the temple around her.

“Well, that was something,” Janis muttered quietly.

She had to agree. That really was … disappointing.