Chapter: Chapter 91: Things Fall Apart
IPOLA: How odd. Hearing you put it like that … Another man like you - in some ways - spoke of the same things to me just days ago. But he wasn’t so full of hate as you are. His way didn’t need for others to die or be destroyed so his people could live and create themselves, owing nothing to Erogenia. He was … a wise man, I think. Even if all the Erogenian nations are destroyed and all of us killed - you would still remember us, no matter how you tried to forget. If we did the same to you - we would still remember you. You can rewrite history all you want, but you are from our seed. We are part of each other, even in our blood. We have been since the beginning, for ill and for good. Perhaps there is another way. A way I couldn’t see when I made that oath twenty years ago. There must be - if we can only find it.
GORSHASH: No.
IPOLA: We could destroy you, as I promised. You have found the dragons, but there is more and greater power in the world than even the dragons - and there always has been. If this war goes forward, it could end in a hollow victory for us all.
GOSHASH: That is your weakness, Ipola Queen. You speak as one who fears destruction. God revels in it, and in all that dies for His glory. That is why we will prevail.
GORSHASH Return to your kingdom. Build your strength, build your magick. I will see you destroyed by my hand - with no help from Kor Lachnis or ANY human - while you are at the height of your profane goddess power, and all the world will be for Urtts, and only for Urtts.
IPOLA: As you wish. I was trying to offer you a lifeline. I can’t help but wonder what your god will think about you knifing his chosen?
GORSHASH: My God prizes strength - and the will to exercise power. If my actions displease God, then I will be punished, and I will praise my God for every moment of pain to the ending of the world. I believe my actions will please God.
IPOLA: If you say so.
GORSHASH: Come. I will arrange a mount for you. I give you one day’s ride from this place. After that your own power and your goddess must save you. If you perish, then it will be God’s will.
IPOLA: And the ring?
GORSHASH: Do not, as Erogenians say, press your luck, Ipola Queen.