Looks like B takes it. I'm going to have to try and make the choices more interesting if we keep getting overwhelming consensus. Let's hope Ean has sufficient powers of persuasion to capitalize on his mind-reading later on. >_> On an off note: had you picked another character, you would have had a slightly different set of powers to pick from. There is some overlap, but due to the natural strengths of the characters they gain certain powers earlier than others.
You'll have access to almost all the powers in their rudimentary form by the end of the chapter, though.
***
Chapter 1.4: Sargon's Ambition
So how does it feel, being able to peek at minds?
"It's unsettling. I was just saw Murea the other day, looking at a flock of sheep passing by. There was a strong throb of lust coming from him; I'm not sure whether it was for the sheep or the boy guarding the flock."
Could be both. No, probably both.
Anyway, this is going to be some useful ability you have here, little monkey.
At least, it's going to stop your gullible butt from getting fooled by people all the time.
"If I were gullible, I'd never have survived living in the streets."
You stand up from the bath. Now that you've freshened up and look somewhat presentable, you are ready to go before the king.
***
"So what you are telling me... is that the star that killed my best astrologer and some of my personal guard was a message from Enlil?" Sargon the Great sat upon his throne, gazing intently at you. You gulp. This was the man that had conquered all of Sumer, and his presence remained commanding despite his age. "Yes, my king. Master Ammun's apprentice, Shulgi, may explain it to you better than I can." You keep your head bowed, waiting for Shulgi to begin his explanation.
Shulgi too keeps his head down as he begins to speak, radiating a great sense of earnestness. "O Great King, when we reached the star, Enlil's visage appeared in divine light before us. I, Ean and the shepherd Naram were overawed by His presence and we dared not look at Him directly, as we are with Your Majesty right now. Master Ammun and the other soldiers were struck down by Enlil's light when they gazed upon His face."
I can almost hear the capitalizations in his words. Pretty nifty skill, that one.
You ignore the voices. Shulgi continues his story. "Enlil then declared, in a voice that was both as loud as thunder and as gentle as a cooling breeze, that King Sargon the Great, descendant of His bloodline, had honoured the throne of Sumer with his deeds. He decreed that King Sargon the Great would thus sit on the throne for all the cycles of the world, and that all which is not yet his shall become so before the end of time. This is what Enlil has decreed, and He has spared our lives so that we may convey His word to Your Majesty."
Sargon stares at the three of you, deep in thought.
"You, shepherd. Naram, was it not?"
"Yes, my king." The shepherd was calm and collected. You are a bit envious, as you stuttered and stammered the first time you met the king yourself.
"You have done great service as a messenger of Enlil. From now on, you shall want for nothing. You need only speak and I will grant even a city unto you."
"You are too kind, my king. I am a humble shepherd and have wanted for nothing before this. All I need, my king, is to live my days out peacefully."
"You are sure of this, Naram?"
Naram nods. "Yes, my king." He pauses for a while, uncertain, before adding, "Well, a bag of gold would help me live quite a bit more peacefully. By this time I'm sure my fellow villagers will have divided up my sheep and claim that beasts had gotten them."
Sargon laughs out loud. "Good! Very good! You shall have your bag of gold, and should you ever require more, you need only ask. In the meantime, enjoy the hospitality of Kish. I will arrange for you to tend to some of my own flock." Turning his gaze to Shulgi, he speaks to the apprentice. "Ammun was always too brash for his own good. I am glad that he has left behind an apprentice as capable as you. From now on, you shall be the chief astrologer of the palace. I am sure you will read the stars and guide my purpose well." Shulgi smiled. "Thank you, O Great King. I could ask for no better."
Finally, Sargon turns to you. "Ean, my trusted soldier. You know the decree of Enlil." You say, quietly, "Yes, my king." A wide grin spreads across his face. You can feel the bloodlust and naked ambition pouring from the king, and you wonder how one man could hold so much drive.
"We will begin preparations for the invasion of Egypt immediately. Those crocodile-loving bastards have been a thorn in my side for a long time, and as Enlil has spoken, we have all the divine favour in the world to crush them." chuckled the king. "I want you to ride with me, as my second-in-command. You have grasped much glory in your short time of service to me, yet I will offer you more. Together we will scatter the Egyptians and take the Nile for our own."
***
A. You accept the king's order to march on Egypt together with him. It is your duty to do so, and you see no reason to defy him. Crushing the Egyptians would gain you great standing in the empire. Besides, since the arrival of the fallen star, you have been struck by inspiration with several military concepts you want to put into practice.
B. You decline the king's order. He would not take offense to your refusal, of that you are certain. You don't trust Shulgi and Naram fully just yet, and you plan to approach them to investigate their intents and purposes. You might be able to learn more about them and about the voices should you stay behind.
C. Fuck this shit! say the voices. You agree. You flee into the wilderness.
