Josh could see through the magic she employed,
And he heard her heartbeat move around him
But he smiled proudly for her just the same.
It seemed Kinley sometimes forgot who she
Had fallen in love with; a demigod.

A true deity, not some false prophet birds
Who had to beat and stab a woman to
Get her to declare her love for them.
He would not forget this severe trespass.
But he had a great task ahead of him

Over the next few days and weeks Breaker
Repaired Kinley’s cottage while she cleaned up.
He enlisted the help of carpenters
And masons to make the cottage stronger,
And spoke with many folk at nearby towns.
He learned all he could learn with coin and fear.
By night, they slept, they loved, lived as one.

And then the day arrived. Josh came into
The kitchen while Kinley was cooking eggs
One morning. He smelled the melting cheese and
Looked into the eyes of his mortal love.

“I have learned the names of these so called gods
Who invaded your house and caused you harm.
In short time my scouts will discover them.
Will you speak their names before I kill them?”

He paused, sniffing the acrid burning eggs.

“Do you believe in me, or the kenkus?”