The sun was shining down on the fields, and the birds were chirping happily as they flew through the sky. The air was fresh, and the grass was a vibrant green color. It was a peaceful day, and it felt like nothing could ruin it. But that was not the case for a small caravan with the Divine Three's coat of arms on its banners. It was traveling south through the countryside of the Holy Alliance Territory, and the white knights were on high alert as they looked for every sign of being followed by that evil Dark Elf, Rya. Their travel was long, and it became harder when they made it back into Alliance territory due to their ck of road maintenance compared to the Kingdom of Fiafyr.

  Inside the carriage sat the fifth highest-ranked member of the Divine Order, Prince Terenthiel Marrell. He was a very righteous man who couldn't believe how easily that foul woman corrupted the Crown Prince of Fiafyr. And worst of all, he and his Padin were powerless to stop her.

  'Damn, wench! If the influence of the Divine Three was stronger there, that bitch would be purged! I will find a way to rid her treachery—OW!'

  The carriage hit a huge pothole, and Terenthiel smacked his head off the wooden roof.

  "Dammit! Watch where you are driving! Or it will be your head!"

  "Sorry, Your Highness. I will do better."

  "You had better, or I'll have you whipped."

  "Yes, Your Highness."

  Terenthiel was the only royal member of the caravan as they tried to hurry back to the Holy Kingdom of Chalced, also known as the birthpce of the Divine Three. Terenthiel would have liked to return with Prince Zane Stoneworthh after finalizing the "Peace Treaty" with the Kingdom of Fiafyr, but that all went out the window once Quinus procimed that he was going to marry a Dark Elf over the arranged marriage with Princess Hilda Stoneworthh. Personally, he wanted to bring everyone back, but Hilda refused to listen to reason. Terenthiel wanted to discipline right then, but he couldn't at the time due to two things. First, she was chosen by the Divine Three to marry the Crown Prince. Second, the Fiafyrian culture gave women more rights than the women of the Holy Alliance. So, he could not strike her without losing any hope, freeing Quinus from the influence of that Dark Elf. The nobles would think that Hilda would be damaged goods if she were bruised.

  'How dare, Hilda, talk to me in that manner! I swear that there's something in the air in Tairal that makes the women disrespectful towards their men. She better not have failed to get him to fall for her charms, or it will be her head.'

  The journey back stretched out over several grueling weeks, each day dragging on as the treacherous roads of the Alliance turned the final leg of his pilgrimage into an ordeal. Terenthiel felt an unsettling knot in his stomach, a mixture of anxiety and dread, as he longed for the moment he could finally report to the High King and the Prophet. The thought of conveying his failure weighed heavily on him, an unbearable burden that clung to him like a shadow.

  He couldn’t shake the image of Hilda's transgressions from his mind; her actions had thrust him into this predicament, and he knew he had to see to it that she faced the appropriate consequences. The thought alone tightened his chest. Determined to make amends, Terenthiel vowed to pray fervently for forgiveness from the Divine Three, hoping they would grant him clemency for his shortcomings and deal justly with the one truly responsible—the Dark Elf who had orchestrated this chaos. Each mile he traveled felt like a step closer to a reckoning, both for himself and for those who had failed in their duties.

  "I swear that I will purge the wicked and unworthy."

  Terenthiel would continue to pray for a solution until his arrival in the Holy Capital City of the Holy Alliance.

  ***

  After what felt like an eternity, spanning an additional five hours, the majestic Holy Capital City of Istur finally emerged on the horizon. Its skyline was dominated by the resplendent holy temple of the Divine Three, a stunning architectural marvel that soared toward the heavens, its ornate spires glimmering in the sunlight. The temple's intricate carvings and luminous golden accents served as a testament to its divine significance, inviting all who gazed upon it to marvel at its grandeur.

  'Finally, this journey is over!'

  The Holy Capital stood majestically, encircled by towering walls of solid stone that soared nearly 50 feet into the sky. These formidable ramparts, imbued with a sense of ancient strength, provided an impregnable fortress against any would-be invaders. A wide, shimmering moat embraced the city, its waters glistening under the sun, creating an additional barrier that flowed seamlessly around the entire perimeter. At intervals, grand gates crafted from thick timber and reinforced with iron bars loomed rge, their sturdy presence a testament to the city’s unwavering defense. Each entrance was vigintly monitored by heavily armed guards, their unwavering vigince ensuring that only those deemed worthy could pass through to the sacred heart of the city.

  By the time Prince Terenthiel reached the Northern gates, the sun was starting to set as a Padin approached his caravan.

  "Halt! Identify yourself, stranger!"

  "Prince Terenthiel Marrell, Fifth Son of the Divine Order!" A White Knight shouted.

  The Padin, Sir Tiberius, raised his brow as he slowly moved forward to inspect the carriage, where he spotted a troubled Terenthiel sitting in his seat.

  "Fifth Son?... The Prophet didn't mention you coming home early. Did something happen?"

  "Things have become dire. His holiness and the High King must hear of this urgent news. There's no time to waste; I need to go through immediately."

  Sir Tiberius quickly moved out of the way as he waved his hand for the rest of the knights and a couple of Padins at the gates.

  "Let them through! We must not keep the Fifth Son waiting!"

  "Yes, Sir!" Roared the men as they opened the gates to let the entourage inside the Capital.

  "Thank you, Sir Tiberius!"

  "It is an honor, Fifth Son. I pray that the Three will show you their favor."

  Terenthiel smiled at the Padin, and then the caravan entered the city. The streets were bustling with people, and the sun was setting, casting a long shadow across the nd. Terenthiel gnced at the temple and felt a chill run down his spine. It had been a long time since he'd felt such fear. Failing the Divine Three, especially in the presence of the High King and the Prophet, could be his undoing. But, there was nothing Terenthiel could do now except pray and hope that he would be spared their wrath.

  The Holy Temple of Paul loomed majestically at the heart of the city, a monumental structure that commanded attention from every corner. Its grandeur was somewhat diminished by the relentless heat that enveloped the area, stifling the lush gardens that would have flourished around its base. Instead, the gardens appeared wilted and weary, struggling against the oppressive sun. At the temple's entrance stood towering statues of the three gods, their stone forms radiating an air of divine authority and vigince.

  The temple’s spire pierced the sky, soaring high above the cityscape. Its architectural design featured a striking white triangle adorned with three smaller triangles within its center, creating a captivating optical illusion that beckoned the eye. If Rya had been present to behold this remarkable structure, she would have gazed in awe at the intricate holy symbol—a distinct upside-down Tri-Force—wondering aloud if the gaming giant Nintendo possessed the mystical ability to unleash its wyers upon this fantastical realm. The juxtaposition of such modern imagery with the ancient setting would have sparked her imagination, igniting questions about the boundaries between worlds.

  By the time Terenthiel's caravan reached the entrance of the Temple, the sun was starting to set. He opened the door and stepped out, feeling the hot breeze hit his skin. His escort was standing next to him, and they followed him into the temple. They walked through a long corridor lined with portraits of previous priests and clergymen until they reached a rge room. The walls were covered with murals depicting the creation of the world, and in the center stood a massive statue of the god Paul, surrounded by his twin brothers, Joseph and Michael. Behind the statues, let into the holy council's room, where the twelve Sons of the Holy Order were seated at a rge triangur table.

  Terenthiel took a deep breath and entered the room, bowing low before the assembled leaders of the Holy Order. He kept his head down and waited patiently while the members began discussing his arrival.

  "Fifth Son... It is a Surprise to see you again after such a short time. What brings you here?" Asked the High King, who sat at one of the points of the table. Prophet Paul VIII sat at another point of the triangur table, looking at Terenthiel with a calm demeanor.

  The Third Son, Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh, sat silently with a stoic expression. He wore a white cloak, and his brown hair flowed freely over his shoulders. He didn't like the fact that Terenthiel was here, but his younger son wasn't with him.

  "The Royal Family has been tricked into sided with a wicked creature," said Terenthiel.

  "And how did you come across this information?" asked Prophet Paul, who stood up from his chair.

  "A dark elf seduced the crown prince. This creature has somehow charmed the prince into thinking that he should marry her," said Terenthiel.

  He spoke as if this news was of no concern, but inside, he felt a mixture of emotions.

  "What happened to my son, Terenthiel?" Prince Dreyand finally spoke up.

  Terenthiel looked up at the Third Son of the Order. "He stayed behind to watch over the Princess to make sure that she marries the Crown Prince and possibly purge that foul creature if the situation calls for it."

  The Third Son frowned, but the Prophet spoke first. "You were sent there to make sure that the Royal Family agreed to this marriage so that the Kingdom of Fiafyr can be saved and brought under our flock, Terenthiel. Yet, you return to us empty-handed and without Prince Stoneworthh's son?"

  "And what of Princess Hilda? Why did you see it fit that you leave her behind to fend for herself against that dark creature?" The High King added.

  Prince Terenthiel clenched his teeth as he didn't want to tell them that a woman belittled him in front of his own men and the Fiafyrian Nobles, but lying to the Prophet was a grave offense. Prince Terenthiel wasn't looking to be executed today.

  "Something happened to the Princess that made her defiant. She refused to listen to her betters and decided to stay at—"

  "You got beat by a woman!?! Oh, how the mighty Prince Marrell has fallen," the Fourth Son, Prince Kaindle Hull, mocked.

  "I'll gut you like the pig that you are, Kaindle," Terenthiel hissed.

  "ENOUGH!" High King Rolmund bellowed and gred at the Fourth and Fifth Sons. "You two forget yourselves and where you are."

  Terenthiel hung his head down while Kaindle wanted to defend himself but knew better than to talk back at his King.

  Prophet Paul looked like he was in thought for a moment. "Terenthiel, how were you unable to purge the Dark Elf?"

  "She was protected by the Crown Prince and his Royal Knights. And the Crown Prince—he is stronger than Sir Darius. I had never seen a man move as fast as the Crown Prince. The rumors about him having a Demi-God Level Mana Vein seem to be true," Terenthiel expined.

  Everyone in the room started mumbling to each other.

  "So, it true that the Fiafyrian Prince has gone down the path of mana corruption," the Tenth Son, Prince Evander Solis, muttered.

  "It's the folly of men to think they can sughter everything around them to achieve godhood. It must be their false idol's influence," the Seventh Son, Prince Gideon Thorne, scoffed.

  "But haven't you heard that the people of Fiafyr have two new goddesses they worship now," the Eleventh Son, Prince Aric Valen, chimed in.

  "Those must be lies coming from your nds, Aric. There's no way that the people would fall for such a trick," the Sixth Son, Prince Aedan Ryker, ughed.

  "But what if this is the dark elf's doing? Prince Terenthiel said she has corrupted the royal family, and what if she corrupted their religion?" The Ninth Son, Prince Damian Hawke, asked with concern.

  "It seems the people of Fiafyr are easily maniputed," the Tenth Son, Prince Evander Solis, mused.

  "Why are we assuming like children when we should ask the Fifth Son about this?" Prince Kaindle interjected while gring at Terenthiel.

  "Yes, Terenthiel is the only person here that can speak about this," the Twelfth Son, Prince Thaln Mercer, agreed.

  Terenthiel felt his throat getting dry. He wasn't in the Capital City of Tairal when the Ritual of Iyomelka's Favor took pce. He was still in the Kingdom of Fiafyr but was traveling south, rushing back to Alliance Territory, when he noticed rge crowds gathering at one of their false Idol's temples.

  It was only a day or two since the ritual, and Mother Astra sent out messenger ravens to all the Temples, giving a quick rundown of what happened. It was a resurgence of the Goddess's powers that hadn't been seen for centuries. It was a sign of good fortune from the Goddess, and it was all thanks to Prince Rya, the dark elf who talked to Iyomelka personally, even though she was too humble and denied that she did. Not only that, but they also had two new goddesses that formed on all of Iyomelka's idols throughout the nd. A very cheerful young priestess almost talked Terenthiel's ear off about Nils and Nebulus, the moron Goddesses that were adopted by Iyomelka the Lame. Terenthiel couldn't believe that these people were dumb enough to insult a deity. Even though these goddesses were false, they still had power. He didn't understand how the people were so foolish as to praise the False Three.

  Terenthiel could tell the Holy Order was getting worried, and the Prophet was looking for answers, as he had not been told about any of this by the Three.

  "F-From what I've heard... The Temple of the False Goddess had a ritual where they decided who might be able to get favor from the False Goddess to show the Fiafyrian nobles who were worthy of marrying the Crown Prince..." Terenthiel began and caught everyone's attention. The rge room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. "From what rumors their priestesses have been spreading, the ritual not only involved this Dark Elf but Princess Hilda as—"

  *BAM!*

  Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh's stoic demeanor crumbled when Terenthiel mentioned his daughter's participation in a sin to the Three. He smmed his fist onto the wooden table, sending a crack along the surface, and stood up quickly.

  "These rumors must be lies! I've personally trained her not to forsake the Three! She wouldn't have taken part in such a bsphemous act!" Prince Dreyand said sternly and angrily, as the rest of the Princes were either gring or were confused by the information.

  "If your daughter has sinned against the Three, then that isn't a reflection on you, Dreyand," Prophet Paul said.

  "But it is a sin on your bloodline, Third Son," Prince Kaindle Hull said with a shit-eating grin.

  For years, the Fourth Son had been looking for any way to move up as the Third Son and thought that the Stoneworthh family was only given the position because of their family's history of serving the Three. Kaindle didn't like Dreyand acting like he had earned his pce.

  "Silence!" Prophet Paul said sternly, and the room grew quiet again. "I wish to hear the rest of these rumors from the Fifth Son... Continue Terenthiel..."

  "Y-Yes, Prophet," Terenthiel said and bowed before the Prophet. "From the rumors, the priestesses are spreading, Princess Hilda and this Dark Elf were involved in the ritual... A-And..."

  Terenthiel struggled to say the rest, as he knew it would look bad on him if Hilda had gotten Iyomelka's Idol to light up in front of the Fiafyrian Nobles.

  "Speak, Terenthiel," King Rolmund commanded, and the Fifth Son looked at the High King.

  "Y-Yes, Father, I apologize," Terenthiel said, feeling nervous as he took a breath and let it out. "Their false Goddess's Idol glowed brightly for her. Bestowing a blessing upon her... And for the Dark Elf... They say she was able to connect with the false Goddess when it was her turn to do the ritual. From what they described, it sounds exactly like what happens when His Eminence prays to the Three for guidance."

  The room grew silent once again, but this time, the silence was deafening.

  "What!? Impossible!" Prince Dreyand yelled angrily as he stood up again and gred at Terenthiel. "You dare bring me falsehoods, Terenthiel! The False Goddess has no power there and wouldn't bless my daughter!"

  "Enough, Dreyand! Can't you see that our Prophet is troubled by this!?" King Rolmund yelled and stood up.

  Prophet Paul's head was down as he was trying to understand why a non-believer would get a blessing from the False Goddess.

  "Could the False Goddess really be gaining power? Could this mean her followers are increasing in number? How can a false God gain power from people who aren't faithful to the True Gods?" Prophet Paul whispered to himself.

  Eighth Son, Prince Lucien Verity, chimed in while the Prophet was lost in thought. "Prince Terenthiel... What about these rumors about the Temple of Bance getting these... Two moron Goddesses added to their faith?"

  Terenthiel hesitated at first but then spoke up. "They are ciming that the False Goddess Iyomelka adopted these Goddesses named Nils and Nebulus into their faith... They also cim that Iyomelka adopted them out of the kindness of her heart..."

  "And when did these two Goddesses show themselves to the Temple of Bance?" the Eighth Son asked.

  "Sometime after the Dark Elf stopped her connection to the false Goddess..." Terenthiel trailed off as he realized something, "I... I think those two new goddesses are Dark Elven Deities. But it was tough to tell since I didn't dare to step foot in the Temple..."

  "What?" High King Rolmund excimed as his eyes widened.

  "This foul one is diabolical! She's not only corrupting the Fiafyrian Nobles but their faith as well! She must have overwhelmed this false Goddess to strengthen her own Deities to save her people! I'm sure that this Dark Elf has said that the people of Fiafyr must pray to these... These FALSE Three Goddesses! That's how she's gaining power!" Prince Aedan Ryker stated as he smmed his fist into the table.

  "Terenthiel! What guidance has this foul creature said their Goddess has told her to spread?!" Prince Dreyand demanded.

  Terenthiel thought about it and recalled that the Dark Elf didn't actually say what the Goddess had said to her. The Priestess mentioned something about how humble the Dark Elf was and said something to the effect that Iyomelka wished to be left alone. But that sounded preposterous. Even a false deity like the Goddess Iyomelka couldn't just sit idly by and not demand tribute from the people of Fiafyr.

  "I can't recall the exact words of what was said... But she isn't telling the church or the people to change their beliefs. The Priestesses seem to be praising the Dark Elf for being humble and modest..." Terenthiel stated.

  "She must be hiding something!" the Sixth Son, Prince Aedan Ryker, procimed.

  The Tenth Son, Prince Evander Solis, chimed in, "She must have a reason for not telling the Church of Bance or the people what the false Goddess said. Perhaps the false Goddess has given her orders that she can't speak about until a specific time. Or—"

  Everyone heard the Prophet burst out with ughter, which caught everyone's attention. They turned their attention to the Prophet as he walked around the rge table.

  Prince Dreyand gnced at King Rolmund Aguir to see if he knew what was happening. But the King shook his head and didn't have a clue what was going on either.

  The Prophet ughed loudly again and then turned his attention to the principality. "Don't you see it! Can't you see what this Dark Elf is doing?..."

  The principality looked at each other to see if one of them knew what the Prophet was talking about. But none of them had a clue what the Prophet was trying to imply.

  "She's using this facade of benevolence to trick the flock into worshipping her deities to protect her people in the West and create a false Three to mock the True Three that have graced our nd. The False Three has the people fooled, but we are the true Holy Order. And it is our duty to purify the nd of the heathen and those who have strayed from the path of our Lords." The Prophet told the Principality and the King.

  A few of the Princes nodded along with the Prophet, but the other Principality was unsure if the Prophet was right.

  "I normally don't like to question you, Your Eminence, but is a female capable of such deceit and trickery?" Prince Dreyand asked the Prophet.

  "You can't trust a female, my child. They are all cunning and deceitful creatures who will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. I thought you, of all people, would have known that..."

  Dreyand grimaced at the memories of giving in to his desires and forcing himself on the captured princess of a conquered nation over twenty years ago. She gave birth to Hilda, and he had to keep her alive as punishment for his sins. He thought he was stuck with her for the rest of his days until she was chosen by the Three to marry the Crown Prince of Fiafyr. But Hilda's sins were making him look bad in front of the Principality. His daughter was acting like a heretic by accepting a ritual from a false deity.

  "This Dark Elf is no exception, and we must make her and the heretics pay for their transgressions against our Holy Order." the Prophet told the Prince.

  Prince Dreyand bowed his head and accepted the Prophet's orders. He didn't know how his daughter could be fooled by the false deity and the heathens. Hilda was going to be the vessel to bring Fiafyr to the Alliance, but now he couldn't let her sins destroy the Principality's honor and reputation.

  "How do we stop her and her heathen rituals, Your Holiness?" Prince Dreyand asked.

  The Prophet's face turned stoic as his mind worked on a solution to the problem.

  The Prophet told the princes, "We must pay and hope that the Divine Three gives us guidance in this time of need."

  "We shall pray for guidance from the Three and hope they give us the power to defeat the heathens and their False Deities!" Prince Terenthiel procimed.

  "It is our destiny to defeat these heathens and make the world clean for the Divine Three," the Prophet said in an ominous tone.

  Prophet Paul nodded and walked towards the altar, which held the Divine Three's Idol of the Triangle. The principality followed behind him and stood around the Idol as the Prophet began his prayer to the gods.

  The other Princes watched the ceremony and prayed to the Divine Three for help in their crusade against the heathens.

  Soon, the Idol glowed, and Paul's gray beard and eyes glowed before his spirit connected with the Divine Three.