As Helenna, as the Goddess of Love, as the woman with her fingers in every piece of every pie no matter where she is, as the White Pantheon’s spymaster, now as Chief Imperial Propagandist, I would dare say that there exists not a single soul on Arda that is in a more qualified position than me to make an outright comparison between the internal workings of the two systems.

  There is no need to talk of the beast that is Imperial Bureaucracy, that can be left to the analysts who find such numbers and topics entertaining in their own right. Nor should I try to beat the dead horse that is White Pantheon dysfunction again, that topic, I think every single one of us has written about to such extent that it could rival even Elassa’s Archive of Arda.

  Instead, I will simply talk of the utter security that comes from being somewhere within the Imperial hierarchy. When I joined originally, I had grand ambitions to somehow take over it and manage the entire thing by myself. Now, I am certain that it would have been a mistake to try and run the Empire in Arascus place. For one, I do not actually think that the Empire under Helenna of Love would be ran as well as he does. This is not in a matter of scientific efficiency or future plans or anything like, it is with a skill that is almost unique to Arascus.

  Justification and enforcement of hierarchy.

  Now, I stand here and I have seen the various Daughter-Goddesses of Arascus bicker with each other. I have heard them even gossip various different rudeties against each other, and it never gets any worse than that. The arguments stay as arguments, the curses are scoffed upon and dismissed, I do not think any of them can honestly say that they hate each other. And they do not because none of them are at the top. The responsibility they possess is not total, it is strictly defined to weights they can carry and little more.

  Take Fer, for example, who simply runs from responsibility. She is competent in all fields, she is highly disciplined, she has, by all ways to measure, the perfect record for a queen of her own land. And yet Fer is never pushed to such responsibility, she is little more than an Imperial enforcer of good behaviour and a shock troop when the time calls for it. A schedule would destroy her, thus she does not receive a schedule. Kassandora is the exact opposite, who needs the schedule to guide her life. The largest branch of the Empire, the military, is ran explicitly under her total control. Malam, who has no want for such slow moving activities as the war, is instead giving the Secret Police to play with. One can look at any of the others, and notice that the pattern is much the same with them.

  I am certain that even now, there are those who do not trust me. Anassa, I do not know if most of the sisters trust her. Malam is another example. But they all trust Arascus and Arascus trust them in return. I am sure that a part of it is sheer arrogance, he cannot picture his position being threatened. One could start picking holes in the status quo all they wish in fact. It does not change that an Imperial status quo is comfortable, and there is little Divinity adores more than true comfort.

  - Excerpt from “Motherly Bureaucracy”, written by Goddess Helenna, of Love.

  Arascus entered the meeting room exactly as the clock struck midday, it was always like this. Everyone was already here, everyone was already sat and waiting in silence. On one side, Kassandora, Kavaa, then Maisara, Fortia, Fer and Olephia. On the other, Irinika, Malam, Helenna, Trosk, Iliyal, Menith, Beryon and Anassa at the end. Her wine glass was on the table. As was Malam’s flash. Irinika was waiting, patiently, a wide smile on her lips. For a moment, her eyes met Arascus’ and she moved.

  The God of Pride walked over to her, nodding to give her permission to stand up. It was done, the last Daughter was safe. The first one back then, the last one now. Irinika stood slowly, turned, put her arms around Arascus’ chest. She was almost as tall as him. The rest of the Divines watched, Fer smiled, her ears jumped, Olephia did too. Kassandora just sat in silence and waited for the moment to end. Kavaa leaned to put her head on Of War’s shoulder. “I missed you.” Irinika whispered into his ear.

  “I missed you too.” Arascus replied quietly and patted her head. Her hair was as smooth as wrapped spiderweb, as soft as a velvet. He felt the squeeze of darkness around his back as the permanent localized black void she clothed herself in hugged him too. “We’ll catch up today. After this, alright?”

  “Of course.” Irinika said. “Back to business.”

  “I love you.” Arascus said. Irinika chuckled.

  “I love you too dad.” She whispered and Arascus finally let her go. He took his place at the head of the table. Irinika moved with all the smoothness of a slithering snake as she retook her seat, closest to him.

  And so it began, like every other meeting. “There are two matters to discuss today.” Arascus began. There was no need for settling down, even Malam had stopped lounging, the only movement was Fer’s tail swaying from side to side. “The second matter will ruin the first, so we shall go in that order. Any who wish to go after we are done with the initial issue will be able to go.” Arascus didn’t bother checking for reactions. He doubted any of them would leave, certainly the four that were required for this conversation wouldn’t go. Maisara and Fortia were both smart enough to know he was talking about the Of Empire problem. Helenna and Malam were souls too inquisitive and too lustful for knowledge and theatre as to leave.

  Frankly, the only ones that could leave would be the mortals, Anassa, or Kassandora who would then bring Kavaa. Everyone else, he already knew would stay. “The war.” He extended an arm to Iliyal as his eyes fell over the desk.

  The elf stood up to give his report. Even standing, even though elves were a full head taller than a man on average and Iliyal was not short for his kind, his eyes were still underneath Arascus’. “As we can see over the map.” It was of the Eparika sea. Northern Epa was cut off, the Sassara as well, there was no point discussing theatres they weren’t playing in. “The Eparika ocean has been split. Landfall will be made in Rilia in this week, landfall will be made in Esberia today, or tomorrow at the latest, if we are not touching already.”

  He took a deep breath and moved to the seas. “The main fleet is split, we have naval headquarters for the eastern section in Atny under the command of Fleet Admiral Callaghan, Eastern Eparika Fleet. The western, stationed in Arseilles, under the command of Fleet Admiral Sprance. Fleet Admiral Akers has been transferred to organize the Alanktydan Fleet, which is currently being built up. We have confirmed that crossing of the Ashfront is possible using the enchantments that Elassa has provided, now called Fortress-Ship-Shielding, FSS.”

  “Deployment of the FSS requires a hull the size of a heavy cruiser. A smaller vessel will not manage it, the Ashfront is still uncrossable on land, save for tunnelling.” He pointed to Southern Rilia. “In this regard, we are prepared in Rilia. Mages have been transferred to establish a bunker line in Esberia, although evacuations of the populace have already started.” He looked over the table and back to Arascus. “That is the state of the war right.”

  “We are caught up then.” Arascus said and Iliyal sat back down. “Trosk, what of the evacuations?”

  Minister Wilhelm Trosk took a deep breath, he did not stand up like Iliyal. That was already bad news. Arascus had expected it. “As things stand, BARC is overwhelmed with the North Arikan refugees. Moving the population of Esberia right now is unfeasible to say the least.”

  “Can it be made feasible?” Arascus asked.

  Trosk answered as simply as he could. “It would require the temporary holding camps to be made into permanent settlements and the mass expansion of them, magical assistance in construction, winter is almost upon us, predictions are that will be harsh with the ash contamination in the atmosphere. We are already getting noticeably less sunlight.”

  Elassa was not here to speak for her mages, but it didn’t really matter. Iliyal raised a hand to speak. Arascus nodded to him as the rest of the Divines listened. “We are already stretched with geo and floromancers that could assist in construction due to the war preparations in Esberia and Rilia. My opinion is that they cannot be spared.”

  Kassandora came in to support Iliyal, she usually did catch up first. “That I back up.” She pointed to the map. “Can you draw the defensive lines Iliyal?” Iliyal stood up, brought out a red pen from his coat and drew a series of dashes. “So there’s multiple?”

  “We do not have the manpower or resources to make a full section right now. The defences of the Esberian coast were not completed in time.” He drew a single solid line down the eastern edge of the country from Rilia, it was hundreds of miles long, and more than a thousand too short encircle the nation.

  “I assume the strategy is fortress blocks then?” Kassandora said. That was one of the doctrines the Empire used in the past. Instead of trying to make massive fortified fronts, fortresses would be congregated into groups that could support each other. Gaps would be left open between them, the terrain would be pushed through, although it could quickly be recaptured in encirclements.

  “It is.” Iliyal said.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “I concur.” Kassandora said. “But fortress blocks fared better against White Pantheon armies than against Tartarus.” Tartarus would flood from the entire horizon with wave after wave of bodies. The Goddess of War did not let Iliyal speak. “But no, I see it, the geography is harsh, there are only a certain amount of points you can move through.”

  “Unless they repeat what they do with Zalewski.” Anassa said dryly from the end of the table. In Kirinyaa, they Tartarus was melting the mountain, one after the other. Projections were speeding up, but even the worst case gave them a full year before the mountains were breached. Esberia had mountains, but not that many and they weren’t as impassable either.

  “What of targeted strikes at the bridges?” Irinika asked.

  “They will deploy portals in Epa.” Kassandora said. Fortia and Maisara looked at each other, Arascus noticed it.

  “Fortia, Maisara, you are in this discussion too.”

  Fortia began as any newcomer did. Slowly and carefully at first. “There are only certain places were Tartarus can deploy portals. We do not know what they use, and they can be moved once opened, but we ran into this issue back then. The Gates were always needed.”

  Arascus extended his arm to the map. “Do you know where?”

  “In Southern Rilia, underneath Apoli, there is a location they deemed acceptable back then. In Esberia…” She stood up. Without being asked, Iliyal took another red pen out of his coat and passed it to her. “Here and here.”

  “Well that doesn’t help us.” Anassa said when she saw the mark on the Esberian coast.

  “It’s in the sea.” Anassa said. “They would have to expand the coastline.”

  “Then the western fleet could slow them down.” Kassandora said. “If they are given FSS, we could bombard that area.”

  “There are more in Esberia and in Rilia.” Fortia started putting more marks. Six locations in Rilia, all further north though. Esberia was not so lucky, that part of the map had twenty individual circles.

  “We are playing a delaying game.” Fer said. “Baalka is done with the Nene.” Everyone turned to the Goddess of Beasthood, even Arascus. Olephia slid the obvious question onto the table.

  ‘Nene?’ Her little piece of paper said.

  “It’s what they called the bomb.” Fer said proudly. She looked around at the table. “Well, I do ring my sister, don’t I?” Arascus had know already, Baalka had rang as quickly as she was done.

  “A seed is being designed for it.” Arascus said. “Iniri and Baalka are estimating two, three days on completion.”

  “And then?” Fortia asked. Every member of the family turned to look at her. Arascus smiled, even Irinika seemed to catch onto what was going on. Fer purred. Olephia slid a piece of paper along the table.

  ‘And then we hit them.’ She had written.

  “You’re going to bomb them?”

  “If possible, were going to exterminate them.” Kassandora said dryly. “If not, then we’re buying time and gauging effectiveness. They have a method now, it can be repeated and done.” Arascus wasn’t sure about that, Baalka seemed to be panicking with the sheer danger she was making. He changed the topic, there was nothing to discuss here anyway.

  “Elassa is the main culprit.” Arascus said. “I will go visit her after business is settled here to see what she is doing.”

  “Elassa is doing Ashen Skies, isn’t she?” Maisara asked.

  “I’ve told her to tear them down.” Arascus said. “But progress has to be checked upon, if she can’t, then it would be better to take her off the project and onto a frontline.”

  “In regards to that.” Kassandora said, she nodded to Iliyal. “I assume you have a plan on how to run the split.”

  “Goddess Fer and Olephia will be sent to Rilia, everyone else is assigned to Esberia.” Iliyal said. “Although the changes are yours to make.”

  “That is fine.” Kassandora said. “How are evacuations in Rilia then?”

  Helenna answered. “The south, up to Apoli, has been emptied save for those who refuse to move.” Malam chuckled and Helenna paused.

  Of Hatred found her time to shine. “We’re already overcapacity, Imperial assistance is given but any who don’t want it, why should we force their own salvation into their hands? Helenna and Trosk will agree with my policy, wouldn’t they?” Helenna just rolled her eyes. Trosk came into to defend himself.

  “It was a hard decision to make but Goddess Malam is correct. It is simply…” He trailed off.

  Arascus finished his thought. “It’s more efficient, those who refuse to move aren’t going to be made to move even if it’s for their own good. Save the willing first and then move onto those who view being saved as a burden.” That was the long and short of it. No point in beating a dead horse. “What of strikes into the Ashlands?”

  “It has been considered.” Iliyal said. “There is an alternative proposal, with Goddesses Irinika and Olephia and Neneria, when she arrives back to Epa.” Neneria had escaped from Legion through an entrance in Arika’s west. She would be here next week. The demon had not followed her.

  “I would participate as the schedule allows it.” Arascus said.

  “The danger of a Prince is high. Pax is the main worry.” Iliyal said and everyone nodded. There was Asmodeus, with his bow of lightless flame, there was Legion, who was an army with a single shared soul, there was Be’elzebub, who was nothing but a swarm of locusts, a dozen others, but the worst was Pax. The demonic Prince of Peace, who could not be touched with the intent to harm. No one had ever managed to circumvent that issue. Fortia scowled at the mention of his name.

  “Then if Iliyal stays in charge of the theatre, I shall make individual strategies for the dealings of each Prince.” Kassandora said. “But I agree, we can slow the landbridges down with raiding if nothing else. Ships to support would ensure safety and serve as protection against swarms as well.”

  “Then it shall be done like that.” Arascus declared. Kassandora didn’t need to work defensive strategy, and she would do it anyway even if her priority was Tartarian Royalty. “Kavaa, there is an assignment for you too.”

  “There is?” Kavaa asked.

  “It is the creation of two new Orders, eighty thousand men each.” Fortia and Maisara both at least looked embarrassed at what was being asked of Kavaa. The Goddess of Health stared at Arascus for a moment.

  “That will take time to find acceptable men.”

  “You will pull from the military, conscription will fill in the gaps.” Arascus said. “That should be a bountiful harvest for you.”

  “And these Orders?” Kavaa asked.

  “Of the Silver Axe and the Bronze Shield.” Arascus said. “After the war, they will be to the doctors that get sent to rural locations.” Kavaa blinked. The names were not on the nose, they were blatant. She looked to Maisara by her side. The Goddess of Order was taller than her and Kavaa still managed to look as if she was looking down at her nose. Side-by-side, the difference between their colours was too much not to notice. Of Health with a head full of dull grey hair, of Order with shining silver brushed to be perfectly straight.

  “I see.” Kavaa said, she obviously wasn’t happy about it.

  “Indeed.” Arascus said. So the discussion went for a full hour. They talked more of evacuation, routes were established solely for civilian trains, as well as for buses. Camps in southern Rancais, were winter was milder than Doschia or Lubska, would be expanded to house the Esberian population. They agreed to grant wider exemptions to farmers from conscription, Helenna proposed a “Food for War” scheme, to set quotas that needed for the exemptions to actually apply, that was a good call. Trosk liked the idea. Malam asked what to with the succubi spies who had gotten through. Khmet was only lightly touched. Even if Tartarus moved through it, it was at least a three month march to reach Epa from there. The land-bridges were simply more pressing. The Ashjets had made a small amount of progress, using similar enchantments to the ship’s FSS but far smaller and more delicate. The data from the Salvation Squadron had proven invaluable and the jets would not need to fly through the Ashfront itself if they could just go over it and dive into the stable Ashen Skies instead.

  A hundred other things were broached. Topics were proposed, reviewed, policy and jobs were set. Everyone in the room received a dozen new jobs to do, even Fer and Olephia, from propaganda to raise the spirits of the civilian population to how strikes should be organized on the land-bridges themselves. The conversation came to a natural lull. There were more things left, but authority of those could be sent down to the Imperial Bureaus instead of the Strategy Council.

  Arascus eventually called it before they began wasting precious time on trivialities. “There is the other matter. You may leave now if you do not wish to know of it, it will not be held against you.” Arascus said, he stared down the room, thinking of who to ask first and for what and everything along those lines. Helenna and Malam had to know, but there was no way to hold a meeting quickly with Helenna, Malam, Fortia & Maisara here. What of the mortals then? Well, there was really no reason for them not to know. At the end of the day, not even Wilhelm Trosk stood up to leave.

  Some would call it an utter lack of self-preservation, others would call it stupidity. Maybe it could even be arrogance, at thinking and expecting everyone to go along. Arascus called it the right thing to do. “Of Empire is alive somewhere on Arda.”

  The entire room froze and held its breath. Maisara and Fortia both sat up straighter. Malam smiled, Fer and Olephia both had similar reactions, eyes wide and breathes held. The only difference was that Fer’s ear and tail shot up straight. The mortals suddenly looked as if they didn’t want to be here. Irinika chuckled. “Oh my my.” She cooed. “That does sound like a problem.”

  “It will not be spoken of outside this room.” Arascus said. “And if you need to speak of it, then it shall be spoken of to me. Not even a semblance of a rumour will be started, the Empire is a united front. We will find our Divine, and we will do it quietly, the people will not be told that there is some grand search yet.” Maybe they would be, maybe they wouldn’t. Reactions would have to be gauged. “Malam, you and the SIS is responsible for making sure that this information remains only at this table. No one is exempt.”

  “Understood father.” Malam replied without a hint of her usual sly humour.

  “Otherwise, Fortia and Maisara already have a lead.” The entire turned its gaze upon the two as if some grand question had suddenly been settled. Arascus would not throw them to the hounds that were his daughters. He made a tiny lie. “They gave up the information willingly, without being asked. A service has already been done to us.”

  He saw Fortia’s eyes flicker in disbelief. Maisara remained as still as a statue. Fer whistled and spoke. “I knew there was something going on.”

  “We will not discuss this issue.” Arascus said. “You have been made aware of it because it is important that you are aware of it, but your thoughts on the matter, as well as mine, are not important. We do know anything about of Empire. We will not sit here and rile ourselves up with grandiose theories about insanity or sadism or evil, nor will we delude ourselves with the idea of a saviour or of benevolent magnanimity or just general saviour-worship.”

  Arascus let the silence hang for a few moments to gauge the reaction. No one said a word. The Daughters would talk of course, but only between themselves, and not with any others. Kavaa would ask Kassandora, Helenna would ask Malam, the humans would not say a word. Fortia and Maisara would no doubt be worried for it too, or maybe they appreciated the fact he had taken their largest off their plate.

  “Of Empire will be found. The next time we meet up, we will be discussing opening the tomb or prison or whatever is containing them.” He extended one arm the duo past Irinika. “Malam and Helenna are in charge of finding this. Alice, Leona’s maid, is the only lead for now, if you find more, then report to me. My advice is to exhaust her first and start thinking of other ways of tracking Leona’s movements. Kavaa, I assume you don’t know anything.”

  “I don’t.” Kavaa answered clearly and directly.

  “Then that will be all.” He signalled to the door. “This meeting is over, until we meet again.”