Chapter 76

I wake up too my stomach growling for food, must have been at least a day that I was out, probably closer to a day and a half. I get up and head over towards the kitchen too make myself some breakfast, although looking at the sky it is closer to lunch time by now.

It doesn’t take long to prepare a sandwich with meat and cheese. With sandwich in hand I head out towards the forest, making a mental note of how quite the village is today. This isn’t too surprising as everyone is probably still recuperating from the celebrations the other day.

When I get to the forest I walk around alone for a little while until I happen upon a forest sprite, who casually greets me.

“Excuse me, but do you know where I could find dryad?” Jack

To this she replies almost flirtatiously.

“Of course, I’ll take you to her.”

She gestures for me to follow her, and I oblige. It only takes five minutes before she stops at the base of a particularly large tree.

“She’s up there.”

After a brief word of thanks I start to climb the tree. A little bit of magic makes it almost effortless and soon I am standing on a platform in front of a small house. Dryad is sitting on a chair overlooking the forest. I walk up and sit in the chair next to her, looking out over the forest. We sit there for a time, in silence before she speaks up.

“It is all so beautiful, this domain of mine.” Dryad

“Yeah, it is” Jack

“And yet, it will all disappear if I leave.” Dryad

“True, but that makes this all the more beautiful. You have put so much work into this forest, watched it grow from a single tree into the amzing place it is today.” Jack

To this she smiles a little.

“Yes, I have haven’t I, and I don’t regret a day of it. If I had the chance to do it again I would, but recently I have grown bored, I don’t know what to do from here, I don’t know what I want.” Dryad

“and we reach the purpose for my visit.” Jack

“I figured you wanted something, out with it then, what do you want me to do?” Dryad

“I want you to be the patreon goddess of my country.” Jack

At this she bursts out into a round of jubilant laughter, only stopping to catch her breath a full minute latter.

“I apologize, I just wasn’t expecting that. Why me though? I’m sure you have many gods among your allies too choose from.” Dryad

“Why wouldn’t I choose you? I can’t think of a single god that would be a better fit for the role.” Jack

“Why though? I’m not that special.” Dryad

“You underestimate yourself. You are one of the most powerful creatures in the world, there is a reason no one messes with your domain anymore.” Jack

“A definite positive but there is no way that was the only reason for your choice.” Dryad

“True, my family and my people also has a history with you, which extends far beyond my life, this would just be the logical next step.” Jack

“Another positive” Dryad

“Finally you are closely bound to your domain, unlike most gods who are free to travel. Your domain is this forest, becoming the patron goddess will extend that domain too include this new country.” Jack

After a moment of thought she starts grinning.

“Now the question is what’s in it for me?” Dryad

“Well for starters, I would be more than willing to name it in your honor. Every citizen would make small offerings too you. And we would be significantly more dedicated to you than we already are.” Jack

“All nice things, but what’s in it for you?” Dryad

“I already mentioned how your domain would extend to this country, the benefits from that alone are substantial.” Jack

“But any god can offer you that.” Dryad

“True, but not in the way you can, you are already deeply rooted to this land in a way no other god could possibly be.” Jack

“Alright, I’ll consider it” Dryad

“That’s not even the biggest thing” Jack

“Oh, then what is?” Dryad

“Your name” Jack

“what?” Dryad

“Even the absolute god fears you” Jack

“Yeah right” Dryad

“Remember the greater god of death, Thantos?” Jack

“Somewhat, why?” Dryad

“My family, which was widely recognized as being the best mercenaries in the world, died in the dozens to him, trying to drag him back here. Only for you to rip him too pieces over the course of a day.” Jack

“That wasn’t me that was the forest” Dryad

“Which is an extension of yourself, as much a part of you as your arm is.” Jack

“What does this have to do with my name?” Dryad

“That event didn’t go unnoticed, and it is not the only one like it. People that mess with you don’t live long. You being our patron would deter all but the most reckless from attacking us on our own land.” Jack

“You have given me much to think about, give me a little time to consider it.” Dryad

“Let me know when you come to a conclusion” Jack

“I will” Dryad

With that I left, as much as I would love too I can’t sit around all day, I have other matters to attend too.

End chapter 76