Champions

While they waited for the dawn's coming light, the feeling of anger and observation had also returned, nearly back to full strength. Realizing the cause, David had tentatively re-cast his spell of mental protection to augment their rings. The spell had helped them greatly, but had also caused him a headache. He needed to rest, conjure enough ammo to reload all of their spent magazines, finish filling their protective rings, and a bunch of other things that he could not afford to do until he was sure they were safe.

One thing that he could do was redistribute the ammo they did have to make sure everyone was as well equipped as possible. He gave his last full M4 magazine to Sapphire, adding it to the three full and one half-full magazines she had on her harness. That plus the full mag in her rifle gave her around 165 rounds to work with, plus an M9 with 15 rounds in it. He also gave Laurena the last M9 magazine from his kit, and the two full magazines he had found still stashed in the side pocket of his rucksack. That put her back up to four full magazines on her belt, and one in her pistol. If they got into another fight like the last one, those 75 rounds would not last long in her unsteady hands. He just hoped that this time the Mk 48 would not give him trouble again.

For his own armaments he still had a full mag in his M9, as well as the Mk 48 with three full ammo belts and one partial. 316 rounds for a light machine gun was not idea. To counter this he unstrapped the M14 from his pack and slung it on his back, then filled the three double mag pouches on the front of his vest with three single M14 magazines. They fit poorly, far larger than the M4 magazines the pouches were intended for, but they did fit. Carrying both the large rifle and the larger LMG was not comfortable, but at least the weight was less of a strain on his larger, stronger body than it would have been before.

Once the rising sun had illuminated the terrain enough to resume their travel, the trio continued their westward journey. Astinus had related rumor based tales of the previous Champion's trek towards battle, and while he admitted these stories were circumspect at best, they were the only information the three had. Midway through the day they had found a landmark mentioned in the tales, and - placing faith in those retellings - began following the small creek nearby which would lead them to their destination the following day, if the stories were true.

Stopping only once that afternoon, they traveled late into the night. David led them with his NODs when the darkness grew too great, determined to lay down a challenging trail for any pursuit. Finally, near midnight, the exhausted group found an adequately defensible location in a modest size stand of trees to stop at. Setting up the trip lines caused David's head to throb harder, but he knew that rest was fast approaching and pushed through it. Due to their choice of terrain, there were only two likely avenues of approach; and David, remembering his grenades this time, used them to booby trap both. Meanwhile Sapphire set up their tent and a simple sleeping pallet with the anemic magic she had managed to regain during their day of travel.

Finally, all the preparations they could make were completed, and Laurena volunteered for the first guard shift. Sapphire hugged her in thanks, and David did as well, relieved that he would be able to finally rest. After cautioning her about the booby traps, they both stumbled into the tent, their weariness affecting their coordination. David removed his helmet and rifles, but left the rest of his gear on. Folding the end of the large sleeping mat to prop himself up into a semi-comfortable position with his vest still on, he leaned back and closed his eyes. Sapphire also remained fully dressed, laying on her side next to her love, and resting her head in his lap. He stroked her hair soothingly as they both drifted off to troubled, but much needed sleep.

***

After checking the perimeter as she had been taught, Laurena listened to the nighttime sounds around her. David had taught her the importance of learning was belonged, so that she could spot what did not. He had taught both her and Sapphire many things in the last few weeks; but his hardest lesson had been today.

He had been keeping a close eye on both Sapphire and herself all day. Sapphire seemed to be dealing with the events of the previous night well enough, but Laurena was not. She had broken down and cried as soon as they left the killing field last night, sobbing as quietly as she could so that the other did not hear her. She was now a killer. She had not been able to think of any other way to save herself, Sapphire, and David, but men and women had died by her hand. Would Eros forgive her?

By the time the sun had risen she had composed herself enough that her companions did not notice her turmoil. At least she thought they did not. When they stopped for a late lunch David had taken her aside and spoken with her.

"You saved my life," he began. "My life, Sapphire's, and your own. Thank you."

Nodding she had chosen not to respond, fearful that any words she spoke would simply devolve into another crying fit.

"You were also forced to take another person's life, more than one, unfortunately; and I know that must have been very hard for you, and still is," he had continued. "But you need to understand something. Your god, and your faith, are wonderful things. They have created a prosperous and happy world, with little tragedy and suffering in it. They have also failed to teach you an important lesson.

"Some people don't think like you do. They will ignore your faith and your decency, and decide to take your life, or the life of someone you care for, and then someone will die that day. If you are lucky, you have the training and the forethought to decide which life that will be. You will ensure that it is theirs, as you did last night. Sometimes that will not be the case. You, someone you care for, perhaps even someone you love, will die because another person decided that killing was what they wanted to do that day. Whatever their reasons or motivations, they made the decision to mock the value of all life.

"You are not wrong to grieve the loss of life, even the lives of those who would take yours. Doing so means you have a conscience, and that you place value on all life. What you are feeling now is the sacrifice you make to protect and defend others. Those who stand in the way of the wicked, and shield the innocent and helpless, do not walk away unscathed in victory. They trade a portion of their own soul and humanity in exchange for the lives they save. It is a price they pay, sometimes gladly, sometimes grudgingly, but they still pay it; because they understand the true value of what they save.

"The men and women we left dead and dying in that field last night, each of their lives had value. But what value was that compared to our own lives, and the lives of everyone they would have harmed after us. We have no way to know how many people they may have harmed in the past, or how many we stopped them from harming in the future. We do know that we are here, now, discussing this because we put a stop to their monstrous barbarity.

"All life is valuable, but sometimes, not all lives are equally valuable. This world is a better place without them in it, and I would trade every last one of them twice over to keep you alive," David had finished his speech.

"How..." Laurena asked piteously, her voice breaking "...how do I live with myself knowing that I ended so many lives?"

"Remind yourself that the world is a better, safer place without them in it, and forgive yourself for doing what was necessary to protect others and yourself" he replied. "And if that doesn't work, ask for forgiveness from your priests and priestesses, and your god. If they grant it, then someday you may forgive yourself too."

"Is that how you do it?" she asked him.

Giving her a gentle, melancholy smile he had shaken his head in the negative. "No Laurena, but I know many soldiers in my old world that did find solace and comfort that way."

"What do you do? How do you deal with it?"

David sat beside her quietly, looking off into the distance as he tried to decide how to answer her question. It was dark, but for a moment Laurena thought she saw his eyes reflect the same grief and self-loathing she now felt.

"I smoke a cigarette and think about something else," he replied flatly ", until the next time it happens." Giving her a gentle one armed hug, he had walked away before she could ask him anything more.

Now, as she sat outside the tent, and thought about his words, she knew that she could not forgive herself. She did what she had to do, but it was simply too much. It was too much death, too much pain, and too much destruction of that which Eros commanded them all to cherish for her to ever believe any member of the clergy would forgive her. She began to cry softly, but quickly devolving into body wracking sobs at the thought of all she had done.

"Please do not cry child."

Shocked at the sound of a man's voice that was not David's, Laurena reached for her pistol and rapidly searched the surrounding night. How could she have been so stupid! Crying like an idiot while someone snuck up on her.

"Who is there? Show yourself or I will be forced to defend myself," she called out.

"Calm yourself child," came the man's voice from her left, "there is no need to fear me. You have traveled a long and troubled road to find me after all."

Turning toward the speaker, she noted that his voice was at the same time the most soothing and most seductive sound she had ever heard. As he stepped into the moonlight, she understood why.

"E...Eros?" she stuttered, in shock.

"Yes Laurena, you have found me," the God of Love replied. "Or, perhaps more accurately, I have found you," he added with a gentle smile.

Eros walked calmly towards the stunned acolyte, and she could not help but look him over. He was tall, at nearly six feet, with a chiseled jaw, thick, wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and phenomenal musculature on his arms and legs. She imagined his entire body was the same, but he was wearing a short toga that covered his torso, and extended to just above his knees, concealing the rest of his form. He also exuded a presence that was both extremely seductive, and at the same time calming and gentle.

Laurena finally realized she had been staring at her god in silent amazement for a while, and now felt embarrassed for it. Clearing her throat in the uncomfortable silence, she suddenly remembered her mission. "My God, I have found the Champion and brought him to you!" she exclaimed with excitement.

"I know Laurena, and I thank you for your diligence," he replied, benevolently.

"He is sleeping now, let me wake him for you," she continued excitedly.

"There is no need my dear," Eros calmed her with a gentle smile. "You are all exhausted, and I have waited over twenty winters for your coming, I can wait a few more hours."

Laurena blushed as an exciting warmth blossomed in her core from his smile. His smile, his scent, his very presence was intoxicating to her. She had heard stories from the older clergy who had been fortunate enough to meet their god before his long absence; and their stories of those events had failed to prepare her for how awe inspiring and heady the experience would be. She felt as though she could coast the waves of multiple climaxes just by speaking with him for a few minutes.

"I would like for you to rest tonight, but first I would unburden your heart," he explained gently.

Conjuring an elaborate two-seater bench, he sat on one side and patted the empty space next to him. Confused, Laurena shuffled over and sat where he had indicated. Sitting so close to him, she could feel his presence encompass her, soothing her mind and enflaming her body.

"You are troubled by the deaths of those you were forced to kill," he began.

Laurena nodded worriedly, she was not sure she could handle a rebuke from her god after everything she had been through.

"You must forgive yourself, child," he continued. "You did as you had to. Those men and women had been corrupted by the pain and hatred of another goddess; one who would happily destroy this world, or steal it from me in spite. Had you acted in any other manner, you would have died last night, along with your friends. It is appropriate to mourn the loss of life, even the lives of enemies, because all life is sacred. But you must also forgive yourself, and any others who take lives in order to spare the innocent or just. If you three had refused to fight, your attackers would have killed you, and only three deaths would have occurred that night. But those deaths would have meant the end of any possibility for us to save this world from the encroaching darkness. Fifty lives lost to spare three may seem selfish, but fifty lost to save the world is not."

Laurena felt the beginnings of relief. Her god did not blame her, or fault her for her actions. He forgave her, and that meant everything in that moment.

"Now please dear one, rest yourself this night. Tomorrow will be big day for all of you, and you need your sleep as badly as the others. I will watch over you until the morning."

Laurena wanted to argue, she desperately wanted to remain awake and continue to talk with her chosen deity. But before she could begin to formulate her response the god leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead. She exploded into a power climax, and rode the aftershocks of it into her dreams.

Eros gathered up the young woman carefully, and carried her into the tent. Using a tiny drop of his power, he lifted Sapphire and David into a large, comfortable bed that he conjured for them all; removing their equipment and bulky clothing, and ensuring that it was all clean, folded, and neatly stacked by the bedside. Doing the same for Laurena, he tucked her in next to them; and finished by softly kissing each of the three on their foreheads. Each kiss contained a small amount of his power, to ensure that their sleep would be long, restful, and filled with pleasant dreams.

*** Chapter 39: Champions***

130646APR13 DW

The Field of Woe, Erosius

David woke slowly, enjoying the feeling of two lush, unclad female figures pressed against him. Smiling at his good fortune, it took a few moments to remember who they were, where he was, and thus realize that no one was on guard duty.

"SHIT," he exclaimed loudly, leaping from between them and scrambling off the bed. The moment his feet touched terra firma he began searching for his weapons. As his brain struggled to throw off the fog of sleep still clinging to him, he noticed a few key details that had previously escaped him, and both women in the bed - awakened by his curse and sudden departure - tried to gain their bearings as well.

"Laurena, why aren't you on guard duty, why are we naked, and where did the bed come from?" David asked, confused and angry over their situation.

Laurena looked puzzled for a few heartbeats, clearly as confused as they were, then her face brightened into a joyous smile. "Eros!" she exclaimed happily, looking past David to the tent entrance.

Whipping around quickly and dropping into a fighting stance, David prepared himself for an attack, confused why such a thing would make Laurena happy. Thus he was completely unprepared for what he found. Standing before him was what could only be a god.

The man was a few inches shorter than him, but exuded a presence that spoke of great power and absolute confidence. David felt the man's - god's he mentally corrected himself - power.

"Hello David," he addressed the soldier, "and Sapphire," he added, turning to look at the stunned Dracian. "Good morning Laurena," he continued his greetings. "You have all had a long and troubled journey to find me, and I felt you all deserved a restful and untroubled night before we got started. So I put Laurena to bed and guarded your sleep.

"Please, dress and join me for breakfast at your leisure. We have a long day ahead, and I am certain you have many questions for me, so let us begin with full bellies and untroubled minds."

David could merely gape in silence as Eros turned and left the tent. After struggling for a few moments to wrap his mind around what had just occurred, he finally moved to stand by his clothes and equipment, and looked to Sapphire for something. He didn't even know what he was looking for when he turned to her. Answers, reassurance, confirmation that what had just happened had not been a figment of his imagination? He was clueless at first, but her smile and nod became everything to him, his answer to an unspoken and unthought-of prayer. He smiled back and returned the nod, then began getting dressed. Apparently they were going to break bread with a god.

***

A few minutes later the trio stepped from their tent, fully clothed - and fully equipped at David's insistence. As they stepped into the dawn's first gentle rays they were forced to stop and absorb the changes Eros had made to their campsite.

What was once a small clearing in a bare patch of trees, was now a large open grassland, with only a handful of trees in the distance. A gentle breeze caressed them, but it did not hold the chill that they expected for this time of year. Before them was a large table, with elaborate carvings on the sides and legs and four comfortable arm chairs around it. On its surface lay every breakfast item any of them could think of. David was stunned to see items from his world that he had never witnessed in Erosius on the table as well. Pancakes, waffles, omelets, doughnuts, and even toaster pastries were mixed in amongst the more standard Erosian breakfast fare. Beside the table stood Eros, facing the dawn with a look of calm happiness and contentment.

Once they overcame their shock, the trio hesitantly moved to join the deity.

"Despite the many millennia I walked the last world, and the two I walked this one, the grandeur of a sunrise never fails to remind me of both the beauty, and awesome power, contained in this universe," he explained, continuing to study the sunrise as though it was the first one he had ever seen.

After looking to each other for a moment, David, Sapphire, and Laurena slowly turned to view the sunrise as well, and were forced to agree with Eros. It was a truly beautiful sight, and for a few minutes each allowed themselves to put aside their questions, fears, and worries. The three mortals and the one god merely soaked in the birth of a new day.

As the sun crested the horizon, and finally became too bright to continue gazing upon, the three mortals turned to see Eros watching them with approval. Motioning to the table, the four sat. Following Eros lead, they all served themselves from the many dishes on the table. David attempted to begin questioning the god immediately.

"Why was I..." he began, before being interrupted with a raised hand from the God of Love.

"Patience David. We have time to discuss anything and everything you wish, but for now I would like you to relax and enjoy this meal," Eros explained. "Some of the answers you seek will upset you, and some of the questions you have will upset your companions. This may be the only time I will ever be able to sit and calmly share a meal with you all. After today I will have much to do - I have been away from my people for a long time after all - and much of it will take me far from Erosius. So please, hold your questions for a bit longer, and try some atal le` faire. It is excellent."

Annoyed that he would have to wait even a moment longer for his answer, David looked to Sapphire at Eros mention of her, and realized that at least one of his requests would upset her greatly. Home. Realizing that perhaps listening to a god might be a good idea; David calmed and did as he was bade, and the atal le` faire was excellent.