The Accidental Archmage, Edmund Batara [read after TXT] 📗

beginnings of

human civilization,” commented the Gothi, “the deities of this world also have the same

drives and failings. Though if you notice, and if you’re familiar with mythology, deities

tend to act capriciously and in immature ways, as described by one of my professors.”

“I guess they’re not omnipotent,” replied Tyler, “if my recollection of ancient mythology

is correct.”

“You’re exactly right. Deities here are powerful but merely reflect the nature and needs

of their worshipers. For example, the humanoid gods of Ethiopia have black skin and

flat noses while those of the Thracians have generally been described as having red hair

and blue eyes. You can also see it in the specialist roles of gods in many pantheons.

Gods of agriculture, fertility, war, wisdom and even sex.”

“If it is not sacrilegious to ask, how come they exist here?”

“Some moved here by choice, some were driven here. But their worshipers have to be

present. A heretical theory, for Adar at least, suggest that the deities were created by

man’s beliefs, hence the different deities peculiar to each civilization. But the prevalent doctrine being preached is, of course, the opposite. Yet that theory may explain the

petulant, impulsive and quirky traits mentioned in Earth’s mythology. Imagine coming

into existence just like that. Fully grown, with enormous power. Without the maturing

process of growing up and slow socialization experienced by humans, or mortals, as

they call us. I am not even including issue of proper parental care. So what you

essentially have are very powerful but dysfunctional children.”

“That’s disturbing and frightening on so many levels. Are all deity systems here

polytheistic?”

“Yes, as far as I know. Monotheism is violently purged by Adar’s deities. It does appear

to be a common reaction among the different pantheons which may act as one in

extreme instances. There are a few powerful but independent beings with deity-level

powers but they usually are deemed “evil” and sometimes referred to as the “hidden

ones.” But they must have adherents or they wouldn’t exist at all. ”

“That’s brutal.”

“Self-preservation, my friend. If the heretical theory is valid, then the loss of belief also means a god can just disappear or its powers diminished proportionately. Though there

must be some basis for this assumption. Most of the greater power of deities only

extend to territories dominated by their worshipers. This is not to say that for example,

a small community of worshipers with a Nordic pantheon in a Greek city will be beyond

the reach of Nordic gods. They still would be, but the divine favor which can be

extended to them is limited. Belief is the key to the connection between such gods and

mortals. Even one believer can be heard by his god in the middle of a forest in a

different territory. If the god deigns to listen.”

“Being a heretical belief, does it mean its proponents get struck by lightning, turned to

stone or some such shit?”

“It is ignored by the pantheons, or at least tolerated, as it is not a monotheistic belief.

It still upholds the existence of the gods although it differs on the answer to the origins of these deities.”

“I am starting to have a headache taking in all you said,” commented Tyler, rubbing the temples of his forehead, “so what you mean is that Adar has as many pantheons as

civilizations? In addition to lesser mythological beings, creatures, and whatnot? It’s so…

messy.”

“A clusterfuck, using your term,” grinned the Gothi, “and they fight constantly, for

worshipers and territory. Of course, through proxies, their believers. Everyone wants to

be top dog, as you would say. It is a good thing that they have this rule about not

being able to directly interfere in a major way in worldly affairs except through

champions and such. As in Sodom and Gomorrah totally laying waste with fire and

brimstone interference. That’s prohibited and severely punished. Otherwise, we would

have found this world at the level of the Stone Age. Of course, there are exceptions and

loopholes.”

“That’s good to know… I think. Anyway, is it time for breakfast? I’m starved. Forgot

dinner. Feel asleep.”

“Oh, I forgot. Norse families only ate two meals a day. The day-meal at mid-morning

and the night-meal. Some do have a three-meal diet but not in this household. Here, I

brought you my version of a beef sandwich.”

Tyler took the sandwich, slices of beef with a bit of lettuce and a few tomato slices

between two big slices of flatbread.

“Thanks. I really need this,” mumbled Tyler while biting into the food.

The Gothi waited for him to finish eating while examining the cell phone and tablet. He

obviously was captivated by the unfamiliar inventions.

“Can I have these inventions? That is of course if you don’t have any use for them,” the

Gothi requested while Tyler was changing back to Nordic attire.

“Sure, no problem. As you said, they’re pretty useless to me now.”

The Gothi’s grin was almost as wide as his face.

“I’ll make it up to you, Havard, I promise. Thank you very much. These inventions really

intrigue me and my benefactor will surely be interested in them.”

Tyler looked at the Gothi.

“You mean the All-Father?”

The Gothi just laughed.

“The All-Father is quite proactive in his desire for knowledge, as you well know. At least these gadgets won’t cost him his other eye.”

When the two got to the dining area, the food was already there. A kind of unleavened

bread, porridge, a jug of milk, and meat which appeared to be warmed left-overs from

yesterday. The hunter and the kids were nowhere to be found. Only Helga was present,

again doing kitchen chores. Tyler greeted Helga who apologized for Eric’s absence,

saying he had left early to hunt. After a while, Helga excused herself, saying she had to

go out to see to their animals.

“Do you feel well enough to travel, Havard?” asked the Gothi, “I asked for an early day-

meal as I was thinking of bringing you instead to Maljen for your full recovery. At the

same time, you get to see a major town in Skaney.”

“I think so,” replied Tyler. He did feel a lot better despite his restless night. He could

sense that the arrow wound had already closed though the front and back of his left

shoulder still felt tender.

“Though riding a horse may be a bit rough for