A Gluttony Of Faith Read online

  “But you both slept with me.”

  “An honour you alone were granted, for we shared none other. Your powers spoke to us both.”

  “Because I’m your sister.”

  “Lilith you sound like a mortal. We are Gods, we are not affected by mortal failings like...inbreeding. We are impervious to such things, it is our nature to be ever changing, we don’t have set bodies. There is no taboo among the Gods over such things.”

  She knew it was true for many of the Gods, and Primordial Gods had taken their siblings as mates, yet it still didn’t sit well with her. She was originally an Angel and they viewed such things differently. Though Agrat certainly did not.

  She walked over to Lilith “Remember, as Divine we are above mortal conceptions and limitations. We have always known that you were our sister and made sure to look out for you when we could inconspicuously. And you have done well, you have Ascended to Godhood and joined the ranks which you were destined to join. There was a reason you were always more powerful than your Angelic sisters, why you always rose to higher ranks, because the blood of a Primordial runs in you. We always knew that one day you would stand alongside us, the twilight sister to complete the light and darkness.”

  “A pity that Inanna never lived to see it.”

  “Inanna is not dead.”

  “She was killed in the War.”

  “No, she wasn’t, you would have felt it.”

  “Why would I have felt it?”

  “Because the both of us named you as our Heir. When we die, you will inherit our undiluted powers. Seeing as you do not have Inanna’s powers, she can therefore not be dead.”

  Lilith stared at Ereshkigal not quite daring to believe as she struggled to process the information. Inanna was still alive, the Mother of the Angels was still alive. “Then she must be in Heaven.”

  “It would seem very likely, she is after all the creator of the Angels. They could utilise her powers to great effect.”

  “That they could, to the detriment of all the Fallen Angels.”

  “Indeed. The power they have at their disposal is the hidden knife most will not know of until it has stabbed them.”

  They could do terrible things with Inanna’s powers “I have to go.”

  She nodded “Farewell, sister, I thank you for the warning, feel free to visit at any time for you are always welcome.”

  Ereshkigal watched her nod and fade away. Things would start to get very interesting soon, and all the brakes would be taken off. The Angels would return, and now Lilith was aware of the secret threat against the Fallen Angels. She was an ever resourceful woman, she would come up with a way to extract Inanna from Heaven and perhaps in the process free many of the Gods empowering the Angels.

  But first the Angels would return and when they did she had best be ready for their assault.

  Hecate stood watching the Canadian army pour through the portals she held open to Greenland. Yet another country had fallen to Britain’s imperial might. Brigid’s powers would continue to grow and with it so would the defence against the Angels. As the Canadian Province continued to grow so too did her own worship and powers. She was now receiving more faith powers than she had ever in the past.

  Things were also working out well. Sariel had started speaking with her family again, Samael had returned to the family fold, and he too had become a governor within the Empire. Though he had taken a very different tact to her. But then Samael had always been one to do his own thing.

  But now the Angels had awoken, and their presence would soon be felt on the Surface again. It was now a desperate rush to claim as much land and people as possible before they returned. With Greenland’s annexation, it would be purged of the Angels’ people. Unfortunately, Canada not being surrounded on all sides by water was not able to be affected by the same spell. Daemons and mages were doing their utmost to track down all of the Angels’ people within her realm. Because when the Angels’ did return their people would be beacons to them. The less there were, the less likely the Angels would directly interfere with Canada, but it was certainly a risk. But with fewer people their power faded.

  She looked at the patchwork of empires swallowing up the world, and while they were a distinct chunk out of the Angels’ power base, they still had a great many nations and people at their disposal. Still at least her borders were safe, the only land border she shared was with the Heradmantium Empire, who was enacting its own form of bloody purge. America had fallen and with it much of its ideals. Canada couldn’t help but look across the border and breathe a sigh of relief that it had escaped such a fate. No bloody civil war, no unchecked killing sprees, no Army of Nightmares. Canada had the British Crown and had kept much of its way of life with some changes. The people were adjusting better than she would have thought of but then they realised just how different it could have been.

  She smiled in satisfaction as Greenland’s capital Nuuk fell before the power of her army. What Human army could stand up to the combined forces of Daemons, mages and her own Lampades? Add the traditional threats of tanks, artillery, soldiers and fighter planes and it was no wonder that it had fallen so quickly. It was an ill-defended country having had no external threats other than the toxic ice sheets that had continually threatened to wipe its cities off the map. It also had no defence against magic, no Humans did in this age. The Angels might as well have served them up on a silver platter.

  She walked through the portal signalling for Brigid to bring the Covenant of the Empire. Greenland was now conquered.

  Oh, Samael.

  She felt him pick up the link and his attention turn to her. Yes, Hecate?

  Greenland has fallen to Canada. Oh, what is that you say? None have fallen to South Africa, and to think that you are the warrior. Let me know if you would like some assistance to do some invading.

  Slow and steady wins the race, my dear.

  She laughed if you say so. Much love.

  And you too.

  Samael broke off the connection with Hecate smiling. She had always been like a favourite aunt to him despite all that he had done. She understood very well the dark paths he walked, often better than even his father did. But then Hecate had seen things that no one else ever had, for no others dared venture through the forgotten Underrealms of Tartarus. He had travelled with her while she was his Mentor and the things he had seen had shaken even him, and yet she had remained unperturbed. She had encountered far worse she had said.

  Now that they were both part of Brigid’s pantheon it was a reminder of the old days, and they were both enjoying the friendly competition in the game of empires. Though unfortunately she was thoroughly thrashing him at the moment. Canada had annexed Alaska and now Greenland, its armies were being distributed about the empire, and the city of Shadowhound was one of the most stunning cities in the world since Atlantis. It was the richest and most successful province in the empire followed by Australia. He was being beaten by a mortal. That his pride could not handle.

  But he had a brilliant plan to counteract it. South Africa was not invading just one place today but five. His army was spread far along the borders already making their way out of South Africa and into the countries of Namibia and Botswana. They were also spreading through the city-state remains of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland.

  The tactics used would be very different, they were likely to encounter a great deal of guerrilla warfare in the collapsed nations and a nominal defence from Namibia and Botswana. Other than to fend off warlords neither needed much of an army. Still it paid to be prepared.

  Not that any of the defenders would be prepared for a magical assault. Having an advancing line of Gorgons would also strike fear into all but the hardiest of defenders. Never mind all the other Daemon races no longer hidden by glamour or the Angel of Death darkening the skies above. Yes, the defenders would not be prepared at all.

  He turned to face Medusa and Zelaris “Give the orders” as he said it, he created portals to the two capital
cities. They barked out the orders as their legions drove through the portals. They joined the ranks of their soldiers as Samael watched them all depart smiling with pride. To his mind it was not such a strange sight, for him, the difference was the technology. The presence of the Daemon races was not remarkable to him, but the fact they were riding tanks and carrying guns comfortably alongside Humans was new.

  Within the Empire was a new age of integration and a shift in technology. The Atlanteans were slowly starting to open up their technology and it already it had reached the military. Zelaris had flown up onto the hovering platform that held several generals, most being Human but there were several Maenads and Were standing in their red uniforms pouring over charts and holograms of the battlefields. Once he landed the platform floated after his contingent which was, for the most part, was made up of the blue of the Atlanteans.

  Medusa teleported herself onto the other platform which held a handful of Humans warily pouring over the hologram and discussing battle plans with Gorgons. The Maenads stood comfortably alongside, completely unperturbed while the other Daemons eyed them up with curiosity. They all looked a strange mixing of ages. Some held spears and bows, others had guns slung across their backs and holstered at their waists. The Atlanteans had done an excellent job of updating archaic weapons to suit the modern age.

  The sound of gunfire and explosions filtered back through the portals as Samael turned his attention to his web of spells laid across southern Africa.

  All across the region the sky turned dark and flames danced between the clouds. Know that the Angel of Death has come to pass judgement upon you in the name of the Goddess and Empire.

  Thunder roared across the skies as the fires started to rain down, such was their noise they even blocked out the sounds of roaring engines, gunfire, and explosions. The warlords were remarkably well equipped to fight back against the forces attacking them.

  The two surviving nations fell relatively quickly and painlessly to the magical assaults. They were both signed into the Imperial Covenant in the morning even as the battle raged across the other three collapsed nations. Yet, as well equipped as the warlords and their people were, they were no match for the fear induced by the Gorgons, the songs of the Sirens or the various other magical attacks.

  They also had nothing to defend themselves against the Angel of Death. His powers swept along the battle lines eliminating those who fought against the Imperial Army. Samael had always had a flair for dramatics, he was perfectly able to accomplish tasks with subtlety, but he enjoyed theatrics. He was a master of psychological warfare. What mortal couldn’t help but flee from a sweeping black mist that killed all it touched or the bolts of violet lightning that struck with pinpoint accuracy?

  Dawn rose on a vastly expanded Province of South Africa and a smiling Samael. He stood resplendent in his black uniform watching his deathstorm burning up in the sunlight to release a gentle rain.

  Oh, Hecate.

  He could feel her amusement through the connection. Yes, Samael?

  Check.

  She laughed. My dear Canada has expanded to its maximum extent I won the first round, but it is good to know you have begun to catch up.

  No matter what, she had always been a step ahead of him, except during the War. That was the only time he had truly surprised her. And yet I shall conquer far more than you.

  You were always more of a warmonger than I. Still it is nice to see you are putting those skills to good use. I am curious as to what you shall do with Cape Town. Which reminds me you shall have to come visit Shadowhound.

  He felt the sharp reminder about the War, but it seemed they were all moving forward. Sariel had done wonders at smoothing over family hurts. This was the first invitation he had received from any family members, this was her olive branch. I would be delighted, Hecate, but let me finish annexing these five countries.

  Five? Well, you have been busy. I look forward to hearing the details.

  He smiled as they ended the communication. Things were looking up, he had missed his Mentor. Sariel had done a wonderful thing in picking up all the family strands.

  “You’re late tonight.”

  James sank down groaning into the elegant armchair before responding “New Guinea had to be completely annexed, and Papua New Guinea signed into the Imperial Covenant before I could have any chance of getting away. Indonesian rebels continue to plague us, but they are being dealt with.

  Kyle wrinkled his nose at the lingering smell of smoke and sweat. “You need a shower.”

  “It is lovely to see you too.”

  Kyle smiled as he leaned across and kissed him. “Come on, I’ll be far more pleasant when you’re not likely to stain my furniture. It’s antique.”

  James rolled his eyes as he was led through to the bathroom “Sometimes, Kyle, you are so very gay.”

  The look he got in return could have stripped paint “If you damage my antiques you will be replacing them.” He snapped his fingers and disappeared James’ clothes as he pushed him down into the large tub. The taps turned on themselves, flowing out at a far greater rate than normal. Magic flooded through the water turning into a mass of lavender scented bubbles. The lights dimmed down, and a variety of candles bloomed into life. He then slipped down into the bath, settling behind James, using his magic to make his hands soothing.

  “Now isn’t that better?”

  “Mmmm” it was amazing, he had been so tightly wound since the order for rapid conquest had come through he had had no sleep at all. He had kept himself awake with his magic as he had teleported himself and armies across islands and between cities. Tonight was the first time they had regrouped and rested. It was the first time he had been able to sneak away for a few hours. “It is nice to have time to breathe.”

  Kyle kissed the back of his neck “I am thankful that I just have to sit tight and defend.”

  “Lucky you. I don’t recommend trudging through the jungle or constant magical warfare. I feel horribly drained.” He needed time to recuperate his magic, but he wasn’t getting it. Instead, Brigid, Hecate or Victoria had appeared to recharge his magic. He felt sure that the transfers from Hecate or Brigid were doing something to him. Each time they occurred his magic seemed to go further and appeared stronger.

  “How are you managing?”

  “Magical transfers. I feel like it is affecting me in some strange way. Call me crazy but I swear I glowed softly in the mirror the other day” he zoned out, and Kyle fell silent. He looked at the hand that had stilled on his shoulder, where before it had the slight yellow tone now it was glowing golden. Glowing stronger than he ever did, glowing like one of the Divine.

  He turned around fully to study Kyle and the changes he had failed to notice. Not only was he glowing like the Divine but his eyes had changed from black to amber. He was slightly taller than he had been before and his slim frame had toned up noticeably. “What happened to you?”

  He looked away “I killed an Angel.”

  James stared at him “You killed an Angel?” What kind?”

  He shuddered “An Ascended.”

  He reached up with his hand to cup his face “It was bad?”

  “The single most excruciating moment of the life. I felt like I was being torn apart, I was actually ripped apart, my body split in so many places.”

  “But what happened to you?”

  “You don’t know much about killing the Divine do you?”

  “No”

  “They can only be killed by those who are a certain level of Divine. Sorcerers are capable of it. The only way to kill a Divine is to absorb their powers.”

  “You Ascended? Are you a God?”

  “I Ascended, but I am not a God, I think I might be a demigod. I am now immortal.”

  “Are you alright?”

  He laughed “I am immortal, no mortal can hurt me anymore” he fell silent “I am worried what Hera will do to me when she finds out, far more than anything else.”

  “She doesn�
��t know?”

  “No, but one thing is certain she will find out.” And when she did, she might very well kill him. He chose a different tact “So why has Brigid ordered rapid conquest? It seems unusual for her.”

  “It’s necessary to grab as much land before the Angels descend in all their fury.”

  “Well, every empire has been doing that but even by Brigid’s standards, it has gone into overdrive. You are exhausted.”

  “The Angels have recovered, Lucifer has awoken. We are trying to enact the Purge on as many places as possible before the Angelic Legions descend on us all.”

  “Do you know how much time that gives the world?” Ariadne?

  “No, we don’t, but it is only a matter of time.”

  Yes, Kyle?

  The Angels have awoken.

  Your sources are very good Kyle. We are planning, I will fill you in when I have all the details.

  “Then we must all prepare,” he said as he pulled James into a kiss.

  “We certainly have a loyal one in Kyle.”

  Hera raised an eyebrow? “How so?”

  “He has just let me know that the Angels have awoken. The connection was filled with a great deal of concern and more than a touch of fear.”

  “You still haven’t taught him to hide his thoughts have you?”

  “No, and I wasn’t planning to.”

  Hera laughed “You do me proud. Still it has its uses. It is comforting to know he is so loyal.”

  “You earned a great deal of loyalty in the gay community with your cure for HIV/AIDS and the activating of their latent genes. Kyle particularly is eternally grateful, and everything since his cure has only compounded that. He enjoys the power he wields and the authority he has been granted.”

  “You’ve become fond of him.”

  She nodded “I am considering making him my Protégé.”

  “A high honour indeed.”

  “You disapprove?”

  “Not at all. In fact, I approve. That boy has a great deal of potential. He will do well from this, he is a valuable asset.”