Pantheon Online

Chapter 175: Seeds of Distrust

"Hm, I figured this would happen." Exile laughed as Clay reported on what had happened. "Don't worry about it. The Ruling Faction will join the attack, but Aeri will attempt to betray us. However, she won't find many allies willing to do the same."

"Why? It makes sense for them to attack us, doesn't it?" Clay revealed a puzzled expression for a moment, but Exile just shook his head slowly.

"Yes and no. They will be tired after the fight with Sommerdan, and we gained favour with some of the leaders when we rushed to aid in the fight with the wolves." Exile smiled as a glint appeared in his eyes. "So they feel indebted for our previous aid, which prevented them from dying and their own people being weakened further."

"I see... Do you think they'll hold themselves to that debt though? They have a lot to gain from joining Aeri."

"Depends on their character. But we will be ready for it. Now, I want you to take the lower levels out to farm the mobs near the city. They need more power for the coming fight. The temporary truce gives us the opportunity we need to let them fight the mobs without worry."

Clay smiled as he clapped his hand on Exile's shoulder. "I'll take care of it."

Moments later, he began picking out the weaker members from each Pantheon and took them out for training. The bar became much quieter after that. 'The spies are sent towards both enemies in the Mortal Realms. We'll soon have a clear view of everything. Especially where they plan to keep their Oracles.'

This was the crucial part of everything. If they brought their oracles to the war as he planned to do, it would be more difficult to capture them. However, if they left them behind, there was no guarantee they would remain in their homes. As they may seek somewhere safer to wait out the war.

'At this stage of the game, Oracles are our greatest treasure. They have to be defended at all costs. So it makes more sense for them to leave them behind in this situation. Somewhere far from the fighting. But that's why we'll bring ours. If we keep them safe in different areas of our army, then they'll be well protected with all of us present.'

'Beans should make sure we have enough supplies for the campaign. Without having to send more supplies from our villages and towns. So that issue is dealt with. So all that is left is to get in touch with the dwarves and have them agree to move on the Ruling Faction while we fight Sommerdan.'

Exile had taken to checking his Avatar spell regularly as he waited for the new temple to be completed. With Thovok in the field, he had no other way of discovering exactly when it would come online as a place for him to descend. However, there was no luck yet again. He could only sigh when that happened as he leaned back in his chair. Everything else was in place. So this had to be taken care of soon.

Meanwhile, Winter chuckled as she read the orders that had been sent to her. 'This is different. He doesn't want me to plant dreams of defeat at our hands, but defeat at their own because of their leaders.' Winter smiled as she read the orders again. 'It's deceptive and similar to sticking a dagger in their backs. I like it!'

She activated her Avatar spell and quickly began to travel across Skardia's landscape. Leaving Korden behind quickly. 'I should focus on the leaders inside of Stormcrown. If this kingdom is to be our base, then I have to weaken it as much as possible.'

She thought of the Jarls that she knew were in the vicinity before picking the closest one. 'You'll be the first victim. Let's make sure you don't trust anyone by the time I'm done!'

Hours passed before she reached the town she had chosen to target. 'At least this will be easier with only one target instead of causing nightmares for everyone.' She twirled her hair with her fingers as her eyes narrowed. There were no signs of other players in the vicinity. Everything seemed to be in place for her to get away with her plans.

As she waited outside the town, in case a player decided to descend, she thought about the various movies she had watched when she got her own break from the game. She tried to get a clear mental picture of what she wanted to unfold in the Jarl's dreams so that her spell would not fail when she attempted it. In this manner, she passed the time until the blanket of night crossed the bright sky.

'It's time...' She quickly set out from her position and rushed through the empty streets. It was easy to locate the Jarl's home as it stood out from the other buildings. It was much larger because of the need to hold meetings inside of it. She passed by a few patrols, but they were nothing special in her eyes.

However, she did not dare to take her time, in case she was discovered. There was no telling if there were any oracles or fanatics in that town that may be able to detect her presence. She slipped through the building, checking to see if the Jarl had a family. She came across two children, both sons. The oldest of them looked to be in his early twenties.

Once she was certain she could recall his features, she sought out the Jarl himself. Finding him in bed next to his wife. 'Ok, this should be good!' She activated her spell Dreamscape and the events of his dreams began to play in her own mind. 'I see. He's happy just spending time with his family and ruling this small place. Too bad I need to destroy that.'

The Jarl frowned as he glanced up from the banquet. His wife was laughing by his side as his men joked with each other. There was plenty of mead and food. But something suddenly felt strange to him. 'That's so strange...' He kept looking around amongst the noise, trying to figure out what was troubling him.

'Where's my son?' He suddenly thought as he failed to see the youth among them. A sudden fear gripped his heart without explanation. He felt the need to search for him. His mind telling him something horrible had happened.

His wife grabbed him by the wrist as he stood. "Dear, where are you going? We have guests. They will miss your presence. Stay with us."

He felt unsure as he heard the tone in her voice. It was almost pleading with him, rather than trying to convince him.

"I'll be back as soon as I can." He whispered as he leaned in, and kissed her forehead. "I just have to find someone first."

He smiled as he turned his back on her. Deliberately not telling her it was their son he wanted to find. 'There's no reason to make her worry. I'm probably just being paranoid, but my heart won't settle until I see him safe and sound.'

He quietly walked through the throng of bodies, busy with their merrymaking. Making vague excuses as to why he could not linger among them for now. Many curious gazes seemed to fix on him, or so it seemed. Each new person that stopped him seemed more desperate than the last to keep him there.

Naturally, this only served to make him more concerned. When he asked why they were so eager, they had no answer to give. He began to suspect that something foul was at play.

His concern for his son's safety grew as he searched their home. Unable to find any trace of him. 'Surely he has not gone outside? Or has some maiden stolen him away?' He chuckled at that thought. Finding it more reasonable than the dread trying to worm its way into his heart and mind.

However, he could not bring himself to just accept that reasoning. He forced his way back through the main hall to the doors, stepping out into the freezing winds that Skardia was known for.

A feeling of relief washed over him as he heard his son's voice coming from around the corner. Followed by several others. However, that relief was short-lived as he heard their conversation.

"Tonight... my father dies. My mother and the others are on board with this decision. Once I am Jarl, you will rewarded for supporting me!"

Laughter and thanks followed that bold statement. Filling the Jarl with distrust. He stepped back inside, finding it hard to believe, but he heard it with his own ears. 'I must kill my son... before it's too late!'

Tears streamed down his face as Winter watched from the shadows. 'My work here is done...' She laughed to herself as she cancelled her control over that dream.