From the Perspective of a God

I had taken my place on a wooden bench in the back of the temple. Word of the eccentric priest of Light had piqued my interest and as I found time I traveled to this poor excuse of a town, making my way through a mud-covered square to find a temple built out of wood, right on the edge of the town. I sat waiting on the hard wooden bench as people started to pour in; it seemed as if the whole town had made their way inside, every seat was filled.
When all had settled and the light of the sun was just in the right spot, the priest entered. He appeared to have a knack for impressionable entrances, but he was so genuine in his mannerism that it seemed fully natural. He moved in behind his podium and looked at us; his eyes wandering to each of our faces. Adn when he spoke he did so clearly and with great measure.
“Today I would like to tell you an old story, one about a mercenary, a fair maiden, and a nobleman. A tale of love and happiness.“
I smiled, I’ve heard this story before. Many times.
“Once upon a time there was a small village, and in that village lived a man named Odren. He was close friends with a woman named Ellina, they had grown up together, had come into adulthood together. And he loved her.
“The man found his living by the blade, and was a mercenary by trade. This meant he left the village for months at a time, Ellina’s smiling face a pleasant welcome each time Odren returned. This dance of farewells and welcome backs had played out for many years and the man had finally worked up the courage to change their steps.
“One day when he was to leave for a contract, Odren took a breath and confessed his feelings of love towards Ellina, and she reciprocated with joyous glee. Leaving him with a blooming love in his heart, and clouds under his feet as he wandered to war.” The priest took a moment to smile at his audience. The townfolk were entranced. I leaned back and took in the atmosphere.
What was to come of this tale of his? What will he teach this pathethic gathering? I was almost a little disappointed, I’ve heard of an oddball of a priest, but this one was calm… almost dull. The priest continued the story.
“Many months passed until Odren returned, happy to meet up with his love after all this time. But as he entered the village his heart sank, for there stood Ellina together with another man, the wealthy reeve, Arnur. They stood close, lovingly so, hands touching in ways only lovers do.”
I glanced around the temple, the people were as if in trance, holding their collective breath. The priest paused but for a moment, moving up to the front of his podium to continue.
“Odren was furious, all he saw was red. He drew his blade and charged towards Arnur, intending to pierce him with his battle-worn sword. In nine quick strides he came within reach and thrust his blade towards the traitorous reeve, but Arnur was not pierced by the blade. In his stead Ellina stood, a bewildered expression on her face as the blood left her dying.”
Some of the towns people audibly gasped, I found it amusing. The priest held for a short second until he wrapped up.
“And that is where the story ends. Some say that Arnur put Ellina in way of the blade to save himself, some claim that Ellina tried to save Arnur by placing herself in Odren’s way. While others blame Odren’s imagination and blind rage to have made go for the wrong target.“
The priest slid in, hid one of his hands, started fumbling with something under his robes. “But whatever the reason for the end, I still think there is something we can learn from this ancient tale; happiness in this life is fleeting, it a lie we tell ourselves to continue on when we all know that in the end there is only tragedy.“
Yes, I thought, this was what I had been waiting for. I almost stood up in anticipation. The priest gently pulled out his hand from under his robes, squeezing his fingers around a thin dagger, newly sharpened, reflecting the light beautifully. He moved the knife up to point it upwards from under his chin.
“There is only one true calm, one true love, one true bliss that we all can feel. And it is in the silent embrace of the Light.“ And with those words he thrust the dagger up into his brains. He collapsed on the wooden floor, blood flowing. The crown started screaming, rushing to get out.
All I could do was laugh.