The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 196

Part 27

The time it took for each team’s play was noted by some in attendance, and they ranged from three to twelve seconds, with one exception; when Mark was called, he stood on the stage for almost sixteen minutes.

Though they were forbidden to discuss their play, it was often apparent from a team leader’s expression and bearing whether they thought they had done well or poorly. Many were obviously displeased with their result. The duration of their play seemed to bear no relation to their opinion of their performance. Mark seemed satisfied but no more than that, despite the extraordinary duration of his turn.

The most interesting turn for those observing was that of Zarkog, who played seventy-first. About halfway through the nine-second duration of his turn, every god in attendance, whether old or new, suddenly became aware that he had joined them in divinity.

He and the organizers refused to discuss it, and he seemed to show no emotional reaction at all after his turn.

In just less than an hour the tournament was complete, and thousands began arriving in the hall to spectate the announcement of the winners.

“You think you did well?” Fire asked her father as servers began circulating among the contestants with trays of snacks and beverages.

“I think so. And you?” he responded with a smile and an affectionate squeeze of her shoulder.

“We did okay. The demons… Sorry. Can’t talk about it yet.” she finished in irritation, and flew off in search of a server with snacks that she liked.

Karz assumed his elven Simulacrum and took off after her.

Six and Val stood holding hands, thinking over their turn, as Mark stood with his wives in his arms and waited patiently.

Finally Pakdag took to the stage again, and a huge Revealing of him was cast above him. He had everyone’s attention almost immediately.

“This has been a great and momentous occasion, as you will soon see. In many ways, the play of each team in The Tournament of Governors was very similar to the full-participation military exercises that have been held recently. The crucial difference being that everyone in the tournament scenarios were convinced that it was reality.

“The behavior of many people in a given situation in an exercise was essentially the same as their behavior in a similar situation that they thought was real. But many other people behaved quite differently. Some had less true courage than they’d shown in exercises. Almost everyone was less willing to sacrifice for victory, and less willing to sacrifice the safety of their families and friends in particular, when they thought the danger was real.

“But in some cases, those who were faced with all the horror and intensity of true warfare transcended themselves. They exhibited new levels of valor and honor and compassion and ability, even beyond the best they had shown in the exercises. This is true of the members of the twelve teams who were most successful today.”