The Last Whisper of the Gods by James Berardinelli Read Free Book Online Page B

public proclamation that ‘prelates are not needed in the new order.’ This led to riots and a quick denunciation by his successor. The official ecclesiastical position is that nothing has changed and we are as much in the gods’ favor as ever, but a growing number of priests dispute this and it is creating unrest amongst the general populace.
    “For many people, the consideration of the gods’ favor in an afterlife keeps them restrained in this one. With that check removed, many would risk all for greater power, wealth, and pleasure. It may be that a new breed of criminal is rising - men who have come to accept that the gods have either turned away their favor or ceased to exist. So they live for today, no longer concerned about a spiritual future. The strong have always preyed on the weak but now there may be fewer checks on that preying. It doesn’t matter whether this sect is right about the gods. All that matters is whether they attract converts.”
    “The riots in Basingham - how bad were they?”
    “Bad, Sire. Dozens dead. Three priests dragged out of the temple and strung up in the streets. Two guards killed putting down the mob. King Durth was forced to place the city under martial law for a time, although the most strict measures have since been lifted.”
    “And you believe the same thing could happen here?” It seemed unlikely, but perhaps no more so than that the king would quietly execute his queen in their bedchamber. “Have you canvassed our priests about their position?”
    “We’ve been in touch with the Temple, but they aren’t forthcoming.” A trace of irritation entered Toranim’s voice. There had always been conflict between the ecclesiastical and secular leadership in Vantok but it had grown increasingly contentious since Azarak took the throne. “Prelate Ferguson dismisses the dissidents as deluded and disaffected and claims there are none amongst his clerics. However, rumors claim several have been relieved of their duties in the last two weeks and clandestine meetings have been held at an undisclosed location within the city. The nature and purpose of the meetings are unclear, but it is suspected they are related to this new ‘godless’ sect.”
    Azarak considered. He could see why Toranim was concerned. This kind of disturbing belief could have widespread ramifications. There had been similar movements over the years but few had gained traction. If people were heeding the words of the dissident priests, there would be consequences. Religion was a cornerstone of law; without the former, the latter could crumble.
    “Why now?” asked the king aloud. “Why do people accept this now when heretics preaching in the past have found poor reception?”
    “People heed the dissidents because their doctrine matches the current situation. Religion is strongest in times of prosperity. We are now in a cycle when poverty and crime are rising, weather has been foul for several years, and there is a growing sense that prayers are no longer being answered. The number of miracles acknowledged continent-wide by the Temple declines year after year. No miracle has been confirmed within Vantok in a half-decade. All these things contribute to a portion of the populace accepting that the creed of godlessness may have a foundation in reality.”
    “So, a few miracles and good weather and the movement will collapse?”
    “Perhaps not ‘collapse,’ but at least lose its potency, Your Majesty.”
    Azarak sighed. There was no getting around it, he supposed. “Then it’s time I speak with Prelate Ferguson about these matters. Please convey to him my desire to have a private audience at the palace. Do it gently .” Azarak knew he had to tread carefully. The degree to which Ferguson was subject to civil law had never been defined. Officially, as long as Ferguson practiced within Vantok, he was Azarak’s subject, but tradition dictated that prelate and king shared separate-but-equal status. So, although