It is also throughout these centuries that the hidden cults of the Ancients began to expand their influence within almost every society on Pangera. Although this didn’t come to light until more than a century beyond this point, from examining the historical record, we have been able to identify and track the spread of their influence. Though never large in number, the various cults have always managed to exert undue influence, despite most being purged every few centuries by the authorities they tried to infiltrate.
The other predominant faith-based organisation is the Tower. Though ostensibly a place of learning and academia, the teachings of the scholars have taken on the weight of religious dogma over the centuries. Though they would vociferously deny the charge, the trappings of the Tower and those of a church are almost indistinguishable. As to the object of their worship? In some respects, they worship themselves, although it would be more accurate to say the scholars and their devotees worship the potential of the collective civilisations of Pangera, as if the people of this world were each a seed of something divine.
There was a certain weight in the air when Beyn communed with his flock. A solemn mood that permeated through the space around them as each member of his burgeoning priesthood lowered their head in silent contemplation of the glory that had been revealed to them. The words of the Great One, the ways of the Colony—it was a code for life that each of these people had only touched the edge of, yet already they found themselves in awe.
And so much more was to come. Beyn had been the first to evolve his Class, and it had been a torturous decision, trying to weigh which aspect he wanted to specialise in the most. It was as if the System had removed all his vital organs and then told him he could only have one back. How could he possibly live without the others? How diminished would his life become without the full range of possibilities that had been offered?
Ultimately, he had listened to his heart and made the selection that spoke most deeply to him, the one he felt would allow him to best serve his people. The Antbishop Class had called to him strongly, the ability to radiate the dedication and peace of the ant had been like a siren song for his very soul, yet he knew he would be better able to work if he took a different path. The Antorator. Though he was a humble man, even Beyn was forced to admit that his capacity for preaching was unusual. He could talk for days on end, his words flowing like wine and sinking deep into the minds of all who heard him. With this Class, he would be able to spread the word of the new path far and wide, so long as he had an ant by his side.
“Is this going to take much longer?” a wave of pheromones jolted him from his thoughts.
He turned to see that his new companion had moved away from the wall and approached him directly. A beautiful creature of dark red chitin with wide, multifaceted and intelligent eyes.
“Not march looonger,” he clumsily produced the scent to reply, his Skill too inferior for clear communication.
She flicked her antennae in the gesture he now clearly understood as the ant version of a shrug and moved away again, giving the Antmancers the space they needed to continue their prayers. When the final hour of their eight-hour vigil had finally passed, the gathered Antmancers rose to their feet before they bowed low in one unified motion. Only then did they step back and lower their hoods. For a long moment, none spoke, each savouring the feeling of revelation and peace that came from such a deep meditation. Then a few murmurs were shared amongst the acolytes, then a few more, and finally some hushed conversation broke out amongst them as they shared their insights.
Beyn felt peace wash through him at the sight and sound of his brethren engaged so deeply with their faith. As one who trod the fresh ground of the new path, he could ask for no better companions on that lonely road than those currently in this room. A sentiment he should share with them more often.
“Give me your ear for but a moment, my brothers and sisters,” he invited them, his tone warm and a broad smile on his face.
The sound of his voice was almost magnetic, dragging the listeners’ attention to him as it rippled throughout the room. So long as his friend, Diplomant, was nearby, his powers of speech were elevated to an unprecedented level.
“The time has come for us to embark on a new mission. No longer can we be content to be few. No longer can we be content to walk beside the Colony, our benefactors, secure and safe as they bear the risk of protecting us. This path will not be forged by being so timid, so tame.”
He spat those last words out as if they were poison on his tongue. All around him, his comrades wore similar expressions of disdain and disgust.
“I call on you all to reject security, to walk away from the peace and shade that the Colony provides and be the messenger they deserve. We must walk before the Colony, beside the Colony, and support from behind also. Whatever it is that they need, we will become! I ask you to be selfless in your devotion, as the Colony is selfless! Now is our chance to truly embrace what it means to follow in the Great One’s steps, to be held in the mandibles of their light and heed the scent of their words!”
Such was the power of his speech that his listeners appeared almost drunk with it, although they were heavily inclined to agree with him even before he started speaking. His additional Class Skill that allowed him to release pheromones that would sway the mood of his listeners wasn’t needed here to instil the devotion that had already taken root.
Before him, all of his fellow believers were ignited in their passion and united in their devotion to the message. From here, they would march out, not only beside the Colony in times of war, but across all of Pangera, proclaiming the glory of the Colony and inviting others to be a part of it. The coming of the Great One was incredible news, and it would be horrifically, unthinkably selfish to hoard it to themselves.
All would learn of it in time!
44. Adventure
“Look, it might not have turned out how you expected, but you’ve still done a lot for the Colony. You can’t let this keep you down forever.”
The ant in question sags a bit more, antennae hanging low.
“I mean, is it really that painful? Being alive? You’ve given yourself a whole new opportunity to fight for the Colony and help your family. Think about all the difficult struggles and hard work that we have in front of us; you’ll be able to be there and shoulder your part of the burden. You might even have the chance to face down an opponent stronger than yourself once more and… you know… die… again… over and over.”
“Are you making fun of me, Eldest?”
“Would I do that?!”
“Yes. The healers have been laughing at us for a week straight.”
“Hey, I’m not like them, alright? I want you to be happy, I just don’t want you to get killed trying to achieve that.”
“What if that’s the only way I can achieve happiness?”
“Then too bad. You think we worked so hard to bring you up to tier six so you could go ahead and die after one battle? You must be outside of your head, Leeroy!”
THWACK!
“Ouch! Hey, weren’t you trying to cheer me up?” she protests, trying to protect her head from my vicious antenna.