The Achievement Junkie

"Sterfen, would you be able to go public in Trodar?" Choron asked. "If you were willing to do that, couldn't it help convince the other Neutral Gods?"

"It's not impossible, but it's also not ideal. My situation is a bit unique thanks to my wife. Unlike you, she wasn't wise enough at the time to request a loophole. She's bound to the Holy Gods until Halmut is killed by Jack," stated Sterfen.

"By Jack? Don't tell me those were your conditions for the boy?" In shock, Choron saw both father and son nod their heads like it was of no consequence. "But couldn't you just bring her to Trodar?"

"Hmmm… I could, but that would just give the Holy Gods an excuse to level the entire country. Unless we already had the other Neutral Gods back in Trodar. Then there's a chance that we could sneak Luna in," explained Sterfen. "But there's no way I can be one of the first Neutral Gods to go public."

"Then who would you suggest we seek out first?"

Sterfen suddenly broke out in laughter. "I'm not sure." Then, he tossed up a small stone-like it was a ball, catching Jack's attention instantly. "You two, place your hand on this stone."

Jack followed instructions without hesitation, as did Choron, showing that this wasn't his first time doing this.

Light suddenly filled the stone and blinded the three men for the moment. As their sight returned, there was a fourth man among them, already sitting on a seat cushion. "I would say that this is unexpected, but…"

"We all know that you saw this coming, so we'd like to ask you a few questions," stated Sterfen.

"Very well, but only because you've now involved my champion," Daruun chuckled and nodded to Jack. "So, what would you like to ask me? It must be important for you to use that special stone I gave you."

"Daruun, you know that we've already reached an agreement and that I'll be seeking Jack's help to fix my error of choosing Skaryn instead of you. But I also wish to go public after that, so the presence of the other Neutral Gods would be appreciated," explained Choron.

"You know I won't forcibly gather the Neutral Gods, so I'm sure you're wanting to know which gods would be most easily convinced, right?"

"Right." All three of the inquisitors nodded, waiting for DAruun to say his piece.

"Very well, I'll give you my opinion, but it may not defer much from Sterfen's given his information network," stated Daruun. "First off, I think Eedaj will be the easiest and fastest to convince."

"Eedaj?! Really?" Perplexed, Choron looked to Sterfen.

"I was thinking the same," Sterfen added as he looked to Jack with a smile. "With Jack and his party, I think Eedaj may even offer it himself. But Jack will have to be ready to accept the offer."

"Why wouldn't I'?" Jack interjected himself into the four-way conversation. "I can't think of any reason why I wouldn't."

"Good, then we'll move on to the next god," Daruun moved the conversation along. "Second, I think you should try and convince Rikko."

"Rikko? Why that tricky pestro?" Sterfen questioned.

"He'd be the simplest to convince. Though it may take some great burglary, we've got the most shameless hero of all to take care of that," laughed Daruun. "After Jack's gained some influence over Trodar and joined their council, he can set out to recruit Rikko. But you would want at least three gods in Trodar before you try and sneak Luna in, right?"

"Yeah…" Sterfen chuckled guiltily. "Who should the third be?"

"As for the third person, I think it should be Perchet."

"What?!" All three men were thrown for a loop by Daruun's final suggestion.

"I'm sure you'd be happy to gain Perchet's presence in Trodar. His presence would greatly aid in protecting your wife, Sterfen. And it will keep the Chaotic Gods from lashing out against Choron as well," reasoned Daruun. "The only question of the matter is whether Jack will be able to help him regain his freedom from the Holy Gods."

"Do you think he can do it?" Sterfen's eyes were shining, more confident than ever.

"I believe Jack has the ability."

Choron smiled. "Then that's the plan! First, Eedaj, then Rikko, and finally Perchet."

As they explained this, Jack grew to understood why Daruun didn't put add his meeting with Choron to Jack's steps in joining the council. Choron's request was going to take a long time to complete.

"After that, some of the remaining Neutral Gods may relocate of their free will. And you may gain a chance to help Moranti escape his fate with the Chaotic Gods," added Daruun. "But that will be extremely difficult. Not only is Moranti valued as the most powerful Chaotic God under Skaryn, but his changing sides would also mark the Neutral Gods as having more members than either the Holy Gods or the Chaotic Gods."

"That would… upset the balance that Skaryn and Halmut worked so hard to create," stated Sterfen. "And if that's successful, then the remaining rebel gods would most likely leave of their own volition."

"Yes, that's correct. However… If you take Jack's unpredictableness into all of this, there may be another path entirely," added Daruun.

"What do you mean? What other path?" Choron asked, now staring at Jack in surprise.

Daruun laughed, "Sterfen, we both know that there is one other way for your wife to be freed. And if that happens, wouldn't you be able to relocate to Trodar immediately?"

"Yes… But that method is even more difficult than killing Halmut, so there's no reason for Jack to attempt it."

"I don't think Jack should attempt it, I think one of his acquaintances should." Daruun showed an unusually wry smile. "I'm talking about the association head."

"WHAT?!" Jack shouted. "No way! How can I convince Lorwynn, Halmut's very own champion, to help weaken the Holy Gods so drastically?!"

"Because he would do it willingly."

Baffled by that statement, Jack, Choron, and Sterfen all stared at Daruun like he was insane. They all understood that Daruun was all-knowing, but it was still too tough to believe such a thing so easily.

"Jack, after you join the Trodan Council, you'll have another opportunity to meet with Lorwynn. If you play your cards right and ask with your god-defying confidence, you may be surprised about the outcome," explained Daruun. "But either way, you now have two ways of making this happen, so I hope I was of some use this time around."

"You always are." Choron bowed to the man. "I swear on my godly title that I'll be resigning from the Chaotic Gods and will be returning to the side I should've chosen from the beginning."

"And if she can really be freed sooner… then I'm more than satisfied with the answers you've given me," Sterfen replied with a bow.

"And Jack… This plan will greatly strengthen Trodar and give you the aid of gods, but this will be known as your first act as my champion. For as much strength you be gaining from all this, you'll be gaining even more enemies, if not more. Keep that in mind as you tread carefully and defy the odds like you always have." Daruun bowed his head to Jack, who did the same in return. "Now that I've answered your question, I'll be going. Once three days have passed, feel free to contact me again, Son."

"I will, Father," Sterfen smiled and bowed one last time before Daruun vanished.

"Oh yeah… Since he helped you, that makes you Daruun's son, doesn't it?" Jack finally connected the dots.

"Yup, and he's always been an amazing father-figure," Sterfen replied. "In a way, that makes him your grandfather, Jack."

Jack started laughing. He wasn't certain how well Sterfen knew Daruun, but Jack liked the idea of being related to a man who ruled over a portion of the universe.

'Did I miss something?'

Jack looked to see Bowzer's confused stare. He laughed and started petting him. 'Don't worry about it. I can explain everything later.'