Chapter 43: Gifts
Dauntice swam along the river until he found another village, however he was horrified to find it in pieces, not a living creature was to be seen anywhere. In fact several villages were like this. He was beginning to believe Serse had the only village. Finally though, he found a village with people, a lot of people in fact!
He remembered what Serse had said about how she had gotten herself a shrine, he had to help the villagers now. He gathered his strength and burst from the river crying, "I am Dauntice, god of water!"
However someone had beat him to this village. Alora was standing, speaking to a villager. When she heard him she turned and fix him with a deadly glare. At her side was the small girl named Iyora, who looked between him and Alora.
"I have already negotiated to aid this village Dauntice," Alora said icily.
"There isn't any other settlements for hundreds of blocks!" Dauntice said angrily.
Iyora looked between them, "why not make it a contest." She said quickly, "we both offer gifts to the village in addition to our aid. Then they get to choose."
Dauntice felt his fire die a bit. What could Alora possibly give the village that Dauntice couldn't. "I agreed, may the best one of us win."
"And may whoever loses go in peace." Iyora fixed him with a glare. At once he realized perhaps the girl was more dangerous to him then Alora.
"Fine," he said shortly. "I shall go first." Dauntice felt arrogant and sure he could win. From the water he created a creature that was powerful and useful. It had a long mane, and strong body and neck.
"This is a horse," he told the villagers, "it is strong, and capable. You can ride it and it can carry heavy loads." He smiled looking over at Alora.
Iyora whispered something to Alora, and together they created something. It was much pudgier then the horse, it was slow and lazy looking. Dauntice was not sure what it could be used for.
Iyora spoke to the villagers, "this animal may not look like much, but with it you will never be hungry. As long as you have it your people will have an infinite supply of food."
Both gifts were undeniably valuable. Perhaps the villagers felt their luck was running out, for they knew they would offend whoever they refused.
Iyora gave Dauntice a strangly challenging look. As if she was questioning whether he would be honourable to the results. He swelled with anger, and her eyes seemed to twinkle at him.
"Allow us, lady and lord, to discuss your gifts." The villagers bowed to both parties, looking afraid.
"You will I trust honour the results," the young girl said to Dauntice, she sounded amused by something.
"Of course," he said shortly.
She smiled now lightly. Then she walked back to Alora and stood stiffly at her side. They waited, and finally a villager came over to them.
"We thank you both for your gifts," they said. "We wish to have lady Alora and lady Iyora as patrons, forgive us lord Dauntice." The villager was shaking.
Dauntice swelled with rage, he wished to drown the village out.
"Uncle, your promise," Iyora said, water had trickled into the area.
Dauntice pulled it back and stormed away.
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