The precursor

A week had past since Dune collapsed, his wound reopened after he used that weird power and we all wanted an explanation. The king was told of what happened at the end of the battle, his court was torn even men who were on the battlefield were skeptical of what they saw.

"What you men speak only sound like fantasy, madness induced by the sheer hopelessness of the situation." King Cheai said

"But how do you" came flying from someone in the crown before being interrupted by the king.

"Yes it does sound like madness but the claim should be investigated and that can only happen when Dune awakens."

He was right, every question we had could only be answered by Dune, so all we could do is wait. As a hero, Dune's treatment was of the highest priority with doctors checking on his condition constantly, so him waking up early than expected was welcomed. "He's awake, he's awake." coasted through the streets by guards posted at his room, leading the military and citizens to crowd the medical building. A few of the men that saw the battle, the king and his court entered his room and saw him standing by the back baloney, the sun beaming his face and scar. The site was like a painting, leaving every person in the room speechless until he turned and noticed us.

"Your highness." he said dropping to his knees "I'm sorry for failing our last mission."

Even with all he did, saving his men from an ambush while injured he was still humble. The display moved the men in the room deeply enough that they also dropped to their knees and apologized to the king.

"Rise your heads, all of you did all you could and then some." he said "None of you are to blame."

Dune rose to his feet and greeted the king, after he was finished we swarmed him to celebrate his recovery. Before we got to rowdy, the king interjected.

"I know you all are happy to see Dune alright but some questions need to be answered."

He was right and we wanted to know what it was that give Dune the strength to save us.

"Its quite hard to explain but I'll do my best to make it understandable." he said "The power that helped me came from a god called Athena."

All the faces in the room had a confused look on them after hearing Dune's claim.

"I know it sounds weird but I'm telling the truth." he said "She came to me after our first battle and told me about battle strategies."

"Do you understand how preposterous that sounds Dune?" the king exclaimed

All the men had a similar thought and Dune could sense it.

"I understand, I'll just have to show you." he said

The air started to swirl at his back and a figure started to emerge, forming itself out of light into the shape of a woman. The woman was tall and slightly muscular, carrying a spear and shield but she was also beautiful, even more beautiful than the queen who's beauty was known throughout the continent.

"I am Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War." she said in a booming voice

"Thank you for answering my call over such a small matter." Dune said with a calm demeanor

"Can you lower your voice, you scaring my compatriots."

"Certainly." she said in a lower voice "I'll do all that's within my power for the champion I have chosen."

We were all still confused as too what was happening, we had Aldi as our only god and most of us didn't believe but learning that they are real and more than we thought would change everything.

"Mortals, I shall grant you three questions." she said

The existentialism set in and we most of the men couldn't talk but the king kept his composure and asked "Are there more of you?"

"Yes, I am but one god out of many gods and heroes in one pantheon out of many."

"I never asked but why me? asked Dune

" This is not the only way but I chose you because I'm most embodied my ideals."

We were on the last question but we didn't have enough information so no one could pose a question until "is this something our enemies have access too?" came from within the group.

"Yes."

The men started whispering about the upcoming conflict knowing ours are as strong or even stronger than Dune.

"As I said before, there are many gods and heroes from different pantheons that will inhabit and assist many of your enemies." she added "Gods have ways of influencing the outcomes of battles and you will learn them in due time."

Athena disappeared and Dune dropped to his knees, breathing heavily, but was soon back to his feet after a minute. The information she gave us entirely valuable in the next few fights but we needed to end this conflict before we lose our advantage but as we would see it soon it was alright lost.