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While Ching Shih Part Six still continues to languish as a Work-in-progress, In it's place I’ll have to give everyone a little advance on my version in the Adventures of Captain K – Chart of the Moon Goddess.
With #piratesunday fully underway I found writing Fantasy Fiction much more fun lately than the usual fare, especially when cooperation and collaborating on one principle story line. This new joy in my writing venture is like flipping mythology on its head in an anything goes FUN writing. Forget time lines, historical accuracy, we’re going for the fun, drama, action, magic, and maybe a few laughs too.
Chart of the Moon Goddess - The Video
The Prologue
The gods play Chess and we are the pieces. ~ Lady Ravenhill
The great Temple of Olympus was filled with the grand splendor of light and sound befitting such an epic event to beckon forth all citizens of Olympus to gather once again to witness what has been the constant eternal struggle between Order and Chaos. As always Hermes proclaims the Game to begin by declaring Ares and Nike as the event’s neutral Officials. In random lot, the Side of Chaos select the venue, The Lost Sea! While the Side of Order chose their Pieces after that of Chaos.
Artemis in her usual flowing elegant entrance seated herself next to Selene. "It is that time dear and congratulations on your first invitation to the game."
Selene didn't share that same enthusiasm, being mortal she can understand how the actions of the gods often dictate consequences in the mortal world.
Zeus was grinning from ear to ear having settled on his chosen hero. Hades was seated opposite of the Great hall was also feeling quite sure of himself.After the speech by both contestants, a drawn out ceremony typically started with lesser figures and now moved on to the heroes that make up the value pieces.
Polished bone hung from his belt like trophies as he marched to the center Dias to name his Hero. His deep throaty voice resonated in the spacious Temple, “I Thanatos, the one and only, select the ‘Preying Vulture’ Admiral Kamaeus of the Ikonian Empire's Southern fleet.” A Silver Bishop in the form of the decorated Lord Kamaeus appeared on the grand chess board as applause thundered loudly from Hades’ side of the Temple. Hades nods his approval.
The God of the Seven Seas not often seen in his human form but majestic as ever stepping upon the dias, his enormous frame almost crowding out his Escort guard. His booming voice matched his stature, “I Poseidon the ‘Unchallengable’, god of the seven seas hereby on behalf of Zeus’ beckoning select….Precious the Mermaid!” The Rook of the board changes into the little female Mermaid. Hades jaw dropped. He didn’t know whether to laugh or choke. Snorts, Hackles and Chuckles begin to fill the air from both sides of the temple.
Hades clutching the armrests of his chair he leans forward and shouted, "Comedy Zeus? Is it Comedy?” Zeus acted surprised as if in jest but changed his expression as if to accuse either Hades or even Deimos having made a deal with the Sea god in a bid to undermine his game plan. But Precious is no ordinary Mermaid, she can act much more hand in hand with mortals than what the rules would normally allowed either surreptitiously or direct communication. Poseidon himself is quite crafty and having outwitted Zeus a few times before. In a battle or campaign upon the World of the Lost Sea or any Information can be paramount.
Selene was a former temple Servant of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi, the god of light. It took several hundred years for Apollo to accept Selene as a newly minted as goddess of the moonlight. He couldn't admit that he was other least partially responsible for the predicament he and his sister Artemis imposed on Ambrogio and Selene’s love affair. It only exposed the lack of omniscience on part of the acting gods.
Zeus presided over the case and in one of few fine moments actually orated an intelligent quote, "Knowledge, truth and time will always eventually heal past hurts."
As former mortal human being a goddess wasn't exactly what she wanted as her heart still yearned for Ambrogio. Centuries passed as she watched over his nocturnal affairs building his underground empire of Night Walkers as a mock to the 'Petty' gods of Olympus and she thought deservedly so. But Ambrogio came to an unfortunate death at the hands of the Brotherhood of Assassins such that the resulting power vacuum fracture the Hidden Empire into at least thirteen different factions. Who knows how human history will result from this.
"I see you already have a Hero's gift, so you've decided on your hero?"
“Yes, and this provides her my chart for navigational guidance and aid in the most difficult circumstances. It is unique to her.”
“Her? Oh you mean that dark girl; you’ve invested considerable time on just her alone.”
Oh how ironic is that Taska chose to be a member of the organization that had it's hand in the death of her beloved Ambrogio. For her sake she understood her youth and human limitations. Selene kept watch over new found daughter of Ambrogio and in short time became fond of her like that of a proud mother. Admiring her candor yet always eager to hear her verbal prayers, guiding her fortunes, and providing what protection she could. Any messages had to be conveyed via an appropriate familiar. That required her to borrow one of Ôdin's Raven's to do that. Ôdin himself was piqued at Selene's infatuation with such an unassuming warrior and agreed for her use of either of the Norse ravens Hugin or Munin. After all she was demonstrating herself to be no ordinary warrior with much potential. There were times she would visit but only as she slept. Selene was content to simply watch her sleep, taking in form and features, breathing in her scent, and leaving upon her table a lone flower. "If my lover and I could have sired an offspring I wish her to be as you my Taska."
Selene cradled a copper skull embellished with silver fangs and a silver oversized hair bow, "Yes, as I see that we gods are bored as to gamble with the souls of uncounted thousands of mortals over time and space. So, is Hades' so determined to have his new souls?"
“Such are the ways of Olympus dear Selene, we gods and goddesses have always governed the affairs of mortals through the ages. What affects us here often reflects upon the world.”
Next was Typhon, the god of monsters who once challenged Zeus for Olympus. "I Typhon, the Defiant One, on behalf of Hades name forth my symbol of war, Persephian of the Were wolves!" A Warrior adept in combat with Steel clawed blades, a General , a mercenary, a gladiator and a crowd favorite in the Empire’s Arena games.
Always radiant and twin of Artemis, Apollo strode to the dias with confidence, "I Apollo god of the Sun light call upon my chosen chess piece, my Knight of the Sky and Dragon Master, Lord Slak-Tor." The hall on Zeus' side erupted in joy once again Zeus makes eye contact with Apollo nodded his approval of his choice of a fine warrior. No mere man but no one is more in harmony with Dragons and at home in the sky as this one. With only secrets that he and the council of Elder dragons know of. While many who were ceremonially selected received the Dragon blood oath die, while only he flourished. Formidable yet humble he carried incredible burdens responsibilities upon his shoulders as his past more than any should bear. He was offered a Kingship in the past only to decline again and again. The Knight appeared on the board of a hooded figure mounted on a Dragon.
"A fine choice Bro," Said Helios, he fist bumped with Apollo as he seated himself.
Hermes directs Ceto to the Dias. Ceta stood up from her seat and stepped towards the dias as her shimmering green scaled cloak sparkled in the light. Her voice was delicate yet powerful enough to wake the dead, “I Ceto, the defiant, Goddess of the Sea Monster uplift the Mistress of the Black Widows, the name of Exandra of the Withering Forests!” Her name speaks for itself. Part Mage, part Assassin has a long list of kills and murders credited to her skills done for the lure of gold. Blends in like a Chameleon, patent as a Snake.
Hermes names Selene as heads turn toward her, Artemis pat Selene's hand, "There, don't be nervous, you're up next dear."
Selene took a long breath before standing to acknowledge the audience. In another fanfare chorus of trumpets Selene stepped upon the dias pretending to be excited. “I Selene, goddess of the Moonlight hereby name my beloved daughter of the Moon and Night Walker, Taska Menine, also known as Lady Ravenhill.”
Her selection was a relative unknown as with most gods except Zeus and Ares outside of her circle of goddesses. Selene had nurtured Taska’s development since a young orphaned Noble girl. Her own achievements can consider her a wild card in the game.
Hades leaned over to Typhon, "Never heard of her."
“I have. Hecate tells me that Ares has taking a liking to her and that may be advantageous with he being the Judge of course.”
“I Medusa goddess of the serpents select the glorious Empress Florentine Ikanus, the Scorpion of Poison and Empress of Ikona!” The Empress of Ikona and wife of the Emperor Ikanus. The elegant woman is shrewd, scheming and cleaver and has killed, manipulated, married and even dueled her way to the top of political power from a low Noble. Her scepter hides a short poisoned blade that had seen much use in behind her victims as in front. It was said, “I better to be her friend than her enemy” as far as her goals were concerned.
Of all the Olympic gods no one could make an entrance like she can. In splendid robes and an escort of Peacocks she enters the temple to the chorus of Trumpets and the shower of Lily petals she steps up to the dias, "I Hera, Queen of the gods of Olympus hereby name my Queen Piece, I call upon The Enchanted Lady of Silver, Queen Saviore of the Isle of Skye. Formidable, a very powerful Mage in her own right, a Seer, in command of the five Elements, but her best skills are in her charisma, generosity, ability to Inspire, and to rally her followers.
Zeus blows her a kiss in reply as she takes her place by his side. “Well done, well done.”
Hades then stands from his chair. His stature seemed much nore formidable than reclined. Grasping the lapels of his robe walked towards the Dias at a relaxed pace. His large gold wrist braces glimmered from the incoming sunlight, displaying his powerful blackened chest armor that took Hephaestus over a century to craft. He stopped to smile and leaned over to caress Calypso’s cheek before resuming the same steady pace. His hands remained on his robe lapels, and in his deep booming voice, “I Hades, god of the underworld herby name the Silver Cobra, Supreme Emperor Belophagus Ikanus of the Iknonian Empire as my King Piece!”
Deafening cheers and applause erupted from the other side of the temple. Hades lifted his arms and relished the adoration of his fanatical followers. As he stepped down from the Dias his followers cheers turned into a chant, “Hades…Hades…Hades….” A hundred fists raised in the air with the rhythm of his name. Every time he lifted his arms they shouted ‘Hades’ again and again like a music conductor with his orchestra. At his seat he lifted his arms one more time to the delight of his followers then turning around to face Zeus before sitting down.
Hermes once again took the spotlight and directs all eyes to King of the gods of Olympus.
“Not Jason and the Argonauts is it?” Whispers Apollo.
Hephaestus and Odin looked at each other and wondered what trickery Zeus had up his sleeve.
“No, no my friend Hephaestus. Just watch this!" Zeus sat up from his throne, stood up and with his hands behind his back he saunters to the dias in a most jovial mood.
“I Zeus, leader of Mount Olympus, king of the gods, hereby name the one that shall represent me as King. I call upon the name of the Privateer Captain K of the Dragon Fire.” A surprise selection of what seems to be seriously underrated choice. Rather than the expected arousing applause from his pantheon of gods Zeus just got silence. Hades was dumbfounded. He stepped off his seat making his way to the game board and studied the King Piece. “Why this is just a child! Are you mocking me?”
"I am quite serious."
"A pirate?"
“Not any Pirate my fellow. He is practically quite the prodigy, able to discern strategy and tactics well beyond his years. And we all know what Ikanus hates most of all…. are pirates, especially those not under his control."
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“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”
