For a long time, the world seemed split in two. With the great Kingdom looming to the North and the Southern people protected by the Goddess and her monster. Even then, the Goddess turned her attention away to crafting weapons. Developing new ideas, she started to learn how to craft tools to kill.
During the years she’d spent preparing, the monster had generated many spawns. Lesser versions of itself that could fit where it could not. The Goddess had several chances to test her weapons on those foolish enough to cross the mountains. These had given her an understanding of conflicts and the effectiveness of her creations.
However, across the mountains, the King sat upon his throne. Hushed whispers followed him. A failure who could not even capture a Queen. A coward who lost his birthright to a monster.
Every attempt to cross, be it under the mountains or above them had been met with failure. Going around was slow and his leaders had begun calling into question his abilities.
When he’d solved the lack of food? They mocked him.
When he’d added tanks and found new ways to melt water from the peaks to provide for his people’s needs? They derided him.
All because they had decided on their own that he was only fit for one Queen!
But so long as that monster could cross the barriers, he had no recourse!
That was when a soft voiced person entered his chambers. Words and promises were whispered. Promises of power capable of weakening the monster, letting mortals slay it. Up to this point its hide had resisted even the best crafted blades.
Even in his dreams the King heard the mocking words. He swore to the soft spoken being that if it would end the voices, he would do anything. So, they reached an agreement. If the monster was slain, the soft spoken being would be made his official priest.
The plan was set in motion. Moving their forces into a Valley, they captured several spawn of the monster. Trapping them in cages, they left them in a particular pass. On both sides were steep cliffs. As they expected, the monster came to find its crying children.
Rain poured down that day.
Then, rocks poured down the cliff.
The monster smashed the cages and shielded its children as best it could. Only to slip, falling down the cliff. The children fled back home.
After the last boulder was pushed down and the rain passed, the King hurried down into the crevasse. Finding the corpse of the monster, he ordered it butchered and that the diggers return to their original cave and double its width.
Messengers were dispatched warning that the Goddess must surrender herself or every valley in her protection would be burned.
Once more, in the same place, the two met. This time the Goddess bore her own spear and many others bore her weapons of war. The King’s soldiers had fang tipped spears and shields covered in familiar hide.
The pair didn’t discuss anything this time. There was nothing to talk over. One had been disgraced, the other pined for what was lost. And in the intervening days, pain had burrowed into their hearts. What now smoldered as faded agony, now blossomed as fury. In the Goddess’ hands, her spear sent shockwaves through all it pierced.
Some fell blind, others deafened and even more crippled in countless ways that did not kill. Not a single soul in that first battle was ended by her hand nor for those who followed her. And thus, her vindictive victory was secured. As the stars rose, a great fire was held, dispersing the stolen parts of the monster.
And for the first time, the Goddess left her domains. Taking the boldest with her, she marched towards the enemy. Welcomed as liberators and with open arms, the Goddess marched through uninhibited. They passed through valleys, adding to their numbers. The people adored the Goddess and she frequently halted to assist the more neglected places the King hadn’t.
Perched in his Tower, scouts reported frequently to the King. As he listened, the newly appointed Priest stood at his side. They both smiled at some shared joke that none in the great chamber could know. Others seemed nervous of her army and the tunnels lost to her. Yet the King was perfectly assured.
With her army within striking range of the tower, the Goddess rested. Letting everyone gather to avenge her fallen friend. The night was dark and long. Clouds gathered yet no rain fell.It was in those deep shadows that flames found the Goddess.
Untamable blazes roared through her camp. Jagged arrows tore through flesh and snapped bones. Screams echoed all around.
Amidst the chaos came the King. Descending down from the mountains after the last shaft was sped, the rest of his army erupted from secret tunnels. Traitors amidst the Goddess’ army made themselves known, slaying their once allies.
Exhausted and weakened, the Goddess could barely lift her spear when the King found her. Knocking her weapons away he whispered the words that had chilled his soul as a youth, “An absolute truth is that in war there is no justice, just a means to an end.”