I Am Living

[Avin]

It took a full day of me lying there in the dirt to recover. With some form of magic behind me, the healing process, which seemed as irritating and agonising as a normal one, was accelerated.

Within those hours of affliction and misery I managed to see more of the area. My eyes took in the details, even though they could not meet themselves.

I was in a great dusty, but hilly plain, with small patches of trees and grass. We were in such one, with an almost tropical feeling to the palms and nuts that hung low. A single river flowed over the plain, long and winding, that met each oasis. Though the set up did not make sense - I considered that surely there must have been more vegetation if the river was there - I came to like the place. Our own piece was between two low hills, and I did look through a series of branches, so it afforded a broken, lesser view. However, as it was my only restbite from my pain and death, I grew to appreciate it.

When I found I could turn my head I discovered the temple behind me. From its front it was a large, rectangular place, with pillars all the way around holding up the overhanging flat roof. Other smaller, wooden and brick buildings were cobbled in a form of a small village beside it. I imagined this was where my killers had come from. I also noticed that the frieze itself, and the pillars, were carved with either likenesses of Sabazios' face and body or icons of overflowing goblets, bunches of grapes or food.

Definitely this was his temple, which was of course intensified by the fact he had been sitting on the throne.

During my days I saw warriors training with their swords and with whispers of black magic that spun from their fingers. I lay in my new position whilst the rest of my body caught up with my head and trained. Within this time Sabazios himself came striding from his temple.

I saw him glance around. The mages and fighters stopped and immediately completely kowtowed, going right to their knees and planting their faces in the dirt. The fat god - at that point I still thought he was one - nodded briefly to them and then strode his way towards me.

I couldn't bow however, even though I knew now that was how it should be. What I should do before him, and possibly Vindrexis. I was stressed and I showed it in my eyes, and I tried to also replay an apology, but it was useless.

Because I could not show him the respect he deseved.

Slowly Sabazios shook his head, then bent himself down to my level. I was astounded that he gave me such an honour. Looking right into my eyes he balanced his bulky body on sandeled shoes, a crimson toga wrapped around him as seemingly the only cover.

"It is alright, young Avin," he said in a low, positive tone. "You are exempt from true worship. You serve not just me but also Quansaldo. A bow from the waist or taking a knee will be sufficient."

He paused. "I do not think Quansaldo explained everything, but that is the way he does things. Now you have learnt of your immortality I will let you know what we are." He took a long finger and pointed it at his own face.

"I am Sabazios, demon of excess. He is Vindrexis Quansaldo, half-god of the lone deity Ansaldo. Apparently his father rules his own planet alone, hence the power Quansaldo has." A small smile came to the ... Demon's face. Demon made sense, seeing as Vindrexis told me he had managed to get my soul from the underworld. That seemed more of a demon ability than a god's. Half god's.

"Quansaldo is an individually enlightened man. He has taught me much about how mortals are, and what they truly want from me. I used to bring them joy and happiness but he made me realise that they just came to me for drink and sex. That is not what I want to be as a creator and ruler. Therefore ..." He looked towards the village briefly where the warriors still were on the floor.

"Anyway. We made you, as a creation of both of us together. Your feathers are ... Unfortunately a side effect of the process, but at least you are whole. And immortal, that is Quansaldo's gift. It is likely you have a gift from me, and as my mages are so powerful I think you will benefit from the same sorts of magic."

I wanted to answer, but I could not. Therefore I had to let him go on.

"Yes, umm ..." The demon smiled weakly, then with more confidence. "Our plan for you is to be a vengeance, for those who have over the years used my blessings for their own gain. There are probably so many - because I did not realise what was going on until Quansaldo got here." He nodded to himself, as if he was trying to build confidence in his statements. "Yes. Those beasts who just wanted my attention for their own gain, not enjoying my gifts for what they just are." His tone grew more bitter and angry, "We have one main enemy - Quansaldo's brother, who is a main encourager of this sort of behaviour. Taking demons and gods for granted ... It is disgusting. It must be stopped. He must be stopped."