Five #5
"That big, bad Junturan males are hot?"
"And I thought Adell was bad," I grumbled as Lillis giggled.
"Now, let me show you your room, where your things are. Then it'll be time for dinner, and after that, I've already summoned those who can come to be here."
The room she showed me was small, but private and clean, so that was fine with me.
Dinner was good, and I got to meet the rest of the staff.
There were two younger priestesses: Melaneen, a human who looked all of eighteen; and Tiressa, a female halfling whose age I couldn't even guess at.
This was apparently their first posting, and they'd be here until they, the church, or Vikoria decided they needed to go somewhere else.
The cook was an older halfling woman who lived at the church and ran the kitchen, sometimes with help from the locals when she needed it.
An older, retired human man, who was obviously showing his years, took care of the maintenance and cleaning, though I gathered that some of the locals and the priestesses helped, as well.
"By the way, why is Perrin called 'Cantor'?" I asked Lillis as we ate. I'd heard the term before as a young man, and I thought I understood it, but I wanted to be sure.
"Well, as you know, Vikoria has no priests, right?"
I nodded. Fel had told me about that, one of several things Vikoria had traded away in order to get other benefits.
"Well, a cantor is a male leader in the church. He has less authority than a priestess, of course, but he leads the people in song, helps with the service, and reads some of the scriptures. He also leads in those devotions that are not led by one of us priestesses."
I nodded. "Makes sense. Probably helps with leading the young men, I'm sure."
"Very much. Also, it reminds people that we care about all our followers and gives the men a say in the church."
"Is there anything else you can tell me about this Sorez character?"
"He is big and strong. He's human, and we believe he's in league with our new sheriff.
Whether that's from before he showed up or after, it doesn't matter.
Requests to the ruling parliament never seem to get a response.
He hasn't aimed his violence at us, but it is only a matter of time. I'm certain he's killed others."
Then she told me about some of the others in town who were facing issues. It seemed like Sorez was in the process of consolidating his hold over the town.
When we finished dinner, she led me out into the church proper, where a surprisingly large number of people had gathered. Stopping in front of the sanctuary with me in tow, she addressed them.
"Everyone, this is William. He's a champion of Feliogustus, a god who is a friend of our Vikoria. Please listen to what he has to say."
I smiled at everyone as they looked at me.
"I'm here because I learned of your need while I was passing through. I have helped Vikoria with a problem in the past, and she has graced me with help with some of my issues as well. So I could not in good conscience turn away when I saw her people in need.
"For now, the story is that I'm an efficiency expert sent by the canning company.
I was the one who got the ship to fly straight here, because it was cheaper and more efficient.
I want Boss Sorez to come after me, so I can deal with him.
I've discussed possible plans with Cantor Perrin regarding what to do after that, so talk to him.
"Last of all, this isn't how I normally look. Please understand that none of you, as followers of Vikoria, have anything to fear from me."
I shifted, then, and took a moment to straighten out my clothes, which fit much better now that I had gotten larger and filled them out. I noticed everyone staring at me, the halflings, especially.
I tried to smile inoffensively. "Don't fear me.
If I'm not busy and there's a problem, please come to me, even if I look like this.
Yes, I'm called William the Godslayer or William the King-killer.
I'll admit, I have something of a temper, but the things that set me off are not the kinds of things any of you are likely to do.
"Oh, and I want to apologize to all of you for the violence I am most likely going to unleash against Sorez and his people over the next few days. Any questions?"
"How long will you be staying?" someone asked.
I shook my head. "I don't know. That will depend on how long it takes to set things right. Anything else?"
No one said anything.
"Thank you all for coming," Lillis said. "William is a good man and a good ally. We are fortunate that Samuel and Cantor Perrin were able to convince him to come. Good night."
"Don't switch back," she said to me in a softer voice, and grabbing my hand, she led me out of the church and into the back.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"Oh, I've decided to change your room assignment," she said, looking back at me with a big smile.
I rolled my eyes, but I didn't say a word. She was attractive, and, well, I wouldn't want my myth to end up with me being celibate, right?