11

Many seasons passed.

Milo and Adaline lived with the God of Agriculture for those seasons. They ate and drank and worked in the fields merrily together. He also taught them how to hunt; something Silas had never even known how to do. He never did tell them stories, though.

The Temple on the mountain fell even further into disrepair. Any newer urns and statues were strewn haphazardly across the shelves. Adaline and Milo didn't know this, however. Neither of them had visited since Adaline looked for Silas there.

The twins were becoming grown. Not only that, but they both had a feeling growing in their hearts. A feeling that there was something missing. Something that they didn't know.

They both wished to talk about Silas with the other, but they never did.

One day, while they were eating breakfast, the God of Agriculture asked both of them a question. "I know this is a bit of a painful topic," he began, "but do you know why you didn't call Silas Father?"

A silence weighed heavy on the room.

"Yes. He never called himself our father," Milo said.

"He was though," Adaline said defiantly. "He was our father."

The God of Agriculture bowed his head, nodded, and said, "Did you know that Silas used to be a gravekeeper?"

Adaline shook her head. Milo asked "What's a gravekeeper?"

"That Temple on the mountain is not actually a Temple. It's a graveyard for the Gods. There are many resting there right now, including members of the Old Pantheon that were killed by Set. The Gods appoint a mortal to watch over that Temple and make alters for newly-dead Gods, but it also must be protected, in case Set and his Demons ever try to take the urns stored inside."

"Why would they do that?"

"Gods are completely unarmed when they're born again. Easy to just kill and start the cycle all over again."

"Why are you telling us this?" Adaline asked warily.

The God of Agriculture stood up from the table and motioned for the twins to follow. He led them around the back of the cottage where two curved swords, a shield, and a knightly sword were leaning against the cottage wall. He picked up the two curved swords and handed them to Adaline, then handed the knightly sword and shield to Milo.

"These are for you. You'll use them to defend the Temple."

Milo was entranced by his weapons. "...We're going to be gravekeepers?"

The God of Agriculture nodded. "The Gods need you to be."

Adaline weighed her swords in both hands. They were heavy but still balanced, and fit her hands almost perfectly. "Who's going to train us?"She asked.

The God of Agriculture picked up his scythe. "I will."