The Rival of Gods

Chapter Ten: Reunited

The House of Carath Magnious was a magnificent one.

Unlike some of the others, there was genuine artistic integrity. In place of gold and jewels, there were marble statues and portraits. Most of them were of halflings, though a few were sculpted of notable humans. In particular, there was one to Suvvest the Great, which Carath kept in an out-of-the-way shrine.

Suvvest was portrayed as a tall man clad in fine clothes. He wore a steel helmet with a fin and motioned toward the distance. At his side was a sword, and in his hand was a book. At his feet were riches, left as offerings.

However, when Oresa had wanted to see it, Carath seemed more than a little reluctant. It seemed that Suvvest was a man held in high honor but not particularly liked. Sahshir found this to be a perplexing approach, to say the least.

"Why would you make a statue of a hero if you hold him in contempt?" asked Sahshir.

"It's all about appearances," said Carath. "Presenting a united front to all men and such. Still, I shouldn't say I hold Suvvest in contempt. I merely wouldn't want to live anywhere near him."

"Then surely he isn't a hero at all," said Oresa.

"Well, there are two kinds of heroes," said Carath. "The kind you admire because you want to be like them. And the kind you admire because you want to be them.

"Suvvest was, in his time, the richest, most powerful man in Sorn. He created his empire largely to satisfy his own ego. Most ambitious men achieve greatness through the pursuit of desires. It gives them an excuse to do nothing for the society they live in."

"And you don't?" asked Sahshir.

"Well, I'm not what you call an ambitious man," said Carath. "I was born into a role prepared for me. Most of what I've been doing is keeping and consolidating the gains my Father, Caris, passed down to me.

"Frankly, I should have moved to a nice manor in Antion years ago, if doing so wouldn't hurt those I employ. Unattended business interests don't last long in Sorn."

At that moment, an old servant entered. "Master Carath, the meal is prepared."

"Ah, yes, thank you, Maris," said Carath. "Come, let's not put my servant's efforts to waste. They are some very talented people."

And so they went.

The servants spoke politely to them, and Carath treated them respectfully. Sahshir marked this in Carath's favor, though he rarely said so kindly. Men ought to perform their duty without complaint or reward.

Now, however, they were eating a lovely meal. The sauces here looked different, though Sahshir would not know. Oresa and Carath were eating a satisfying meal. Sahshir was waiting until he could sit in private.

"Do you require anything, food or wine?" asked Carath.

"Calishans do not drink wine," said Sahshir. "Baltoth has forbidden it."

"Ah, of course, my apologies," said Carath. "Though I imagine the Goddess of Revelry has a few objections."

"I gather that Baltoth despises her," said Sahshir. "So it is of no concern. Tell me, is Nagos staying here?"

"Ah, yes, nice fellow. I'm afraid he's not here now," said Carath, having a servant pour him more coffee. "At any rate, Princess Oresa, I have set aside a wing where you and your entourage may stay. Likewise, I have the same for you, King Sahshir."

"And what of Tuor?" asked Sahshir.

"Yes," said Carath. "I had made the offer to him. However, he declined. He has some business with Kaba and means to stay at his residence for all the hospitality he will get.