The Call of Nys #5 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

23 - J U D S O N

Judson dug nervous fingernails into the inside of his hands as he watched Harper set her instrument at her feet. For an object so small, it held astounding ranges of power. He thought about how she had called it a translator and wondered if, maybe, the instrument only had the power to translate other powers thereby making it a sort of channel; as a funnel served the purpose of filtering water.

The goddess crossed her concealed legs at the ankles and both hands atop her knees, then focused on him. The careful way with which she carried herself convinced Judson that their conversation would take a while, and his mind instantly wandered to Ayariel.

"Oh, your company has all necessities provided for her." Harper revealed, then squinted. "You did not think I would delay you without giving good reason for it now, did you?"

An easy smile from her made Judson relax. In a way, she made him feel comfortable. However, the fact that he was to hear a tale about his father from her and not from his mother was a tad disquieting.

Nonetheless, he prepared to listen.

"In the age of the High Elven Kings," Her voice was solemn and slightly above a whisper. "When Nalie made the decision to crown Juniper with the mantle of nature in her place, the gods were a handful in number and scattered across the seven realms, making themselves known to all as they saw fit. In that time, your father was a beloved god."

Judson's eyebrow went up. "Was?"

Harper kindly lifted a right hand. "All will be explained, I promise." When he nodded, she went on. "His name was Émelméris. Art, as translated by mortals. None could compare to his mastery, beauty, chivalry, and sense. He dazzled whomever he came in contact with and left countless mortal women begging to spend eternity serving at his feet. In that age, Émelméris gained more fame and influence than even Cret herself, and the Outcasts began the worship of him as their patron."

The identity of his father settled fast on him, but Judson was too dazed to believe it and far too stunned to accept it. He blinked moderately to hide his expression.

"A time soon came when Émelméris crossed paths with the new goddess of nature. They fell deeply in love, and he swore to have her and her alone for as long as immortality lasted. Juniper was a newly born, starry-eyed goddess at the time, yet one could not overlook her temper and unflinching will. Given her power of foresight, she begged Émelméris to swear his love and never look away from her. He gave his word and promise."

Her countenance fell as if she were placing herself in Juniper's shoes. "But your father had no tame blood. He went about lying with other women against his promise to Juniper. When he became aware of his sins, Émelméris began to hide in shame. He dwelled with his worshippers and adopted the title of Koon. His powers enabled him alter his original personality to become that of an entirely different deity, and for a very long time, he stayed hidden, and his worship spread like wildfire to the Dakritonians in the East. There, he became Za-koon, god of the Daks, remaining so for ages and ages. I met him then. But his disguise was no match when Juniper finally came in search of him amongst the Dakritonians. They struck another accord to remain bound to one another, and Juniper laid with him, but alas, their oath could never stand for gods were not meant to bond with one another in marriage. Juniper was heartbroken when she discovered this. Meanwhile, Émelméris took advantage of his freedom and reverted to his old ways. Driven by great anger and hatred for being disrespected and toward those who hosted him, Juniper brought a mighty disaster upon the land. She almost wiped an entire realm off the face of the earth."

Judson felt his nerves frying themselves. His throat went dry. How someone so little could could perform such grand acts was beyond him. There and then, he reminded himself never to estimate anything based on its size ever again.