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Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a great story from Womby, entitled
The Blessing
Background music by Smartsound

David was understandably nervous. Not so much because he was most likely going to die (he had accepted that), but because the desires of his entire region now rested on his shoulders. A series of gruelling clashes had determined that he was the greatest warrior in the entire Perennial Coast. Now the time had come to test his mettle against combatants from all the other regions in New Britannia.

The contestants slowly made their way into the cave that led to the Marshalling Room. Evenly spaced around the edge of the room were a number of cage doors. Although firmly shut, that did not prevent the blood curdling sound of deep throated snarls and growls escaping from the cages and echoing throughout the chamber. In the centre of the room were two platforms. If two combatants could each simultaneously hold one of the platforms for ten seconds then they would both be transported to the Supplicant Room. At that point the cage doors would all open, and those left behind would be torn to shreds by immensely powerful beasts.

Once inside the Marshalling Room each contestant sought a position that they hoped might give them some advantage. A loud thump signalled the closing of the entrance door, and simultaneously David felt the tickle of rushing air as he instinctively twisted to one side to avoid an arrow. Glancing towards the source of the projectile he saw an archer impaled on a halberd. Fierce hand to hand battles had broken out at each of the two platforms, and it was clear that no contestant was going to be able to hold either of the platforms until most were either dead or incapacitated.

Taking advantage of the confusion, David cast an invisibility spell and stood behind a large tank in plate armour who was too busy casting heals on himself to notice David.

Finally the number of uninjured fighters had dwindled to five, which quickly became four as the tank suddenly body slammed the occupant of the nearest platform and took his place. The other platform was held by a mage who was using chain lightning to hold back challengers. Still invisible, David quietly stepped behind the tank and slit his throat, at the same time propping him up so that he seemed alive. Now there were three able combatants, but the mage had run out of reagents. The one uninjured survivor who had not managed to secure a platform saw his chance and threw himself at the mage, decapitating him with a well placed swing of his two handed sword.

As the swordsman stepped on the platform he turned and glared at the tank for ten long seconds, after which the cage doors burst open and scores of hungry beasts rushed towards the dead and dying. David was spared seeing the result as both he and the swordsman were transported to opposite ends of the Supplicant Room.

“Brave warriors, you have been found worthy, but know that only one can receive my blessing, and that I require in return a human life. One of you must die.”

The message from the deity was clear. Still invisible, David let the dead tank crumple to the floor.

“Aha!” cried the swordsman. “You see that? I claim your blessing, as is my right!”

“I fear you are mistaken.” replied the deity, as the swordsman felt David’s blade plunge into his back.

Finally, with the invisibility spell wearing off, David spoke up. “It appears I am the only survivor. I therefore, on behalf of the Perennial Coast, claim what is rightfully ours.”

The deity chuckled as she replied “Indeed you are. With a wave of this spoon I hereby grant you the right to select next week’s play list for Avatars Radio.”

“Woohoo!” replied David. “No more Disco and Country and Western.”

“You’re welcome!” replied the deity.