[Zapmeister]

Agne, Chosen of Odus, Beloved of the Valkyrie frowned as he re-read the intercepted missive for the fourth time. Interruptions were forbidden during bathtime, but this clearly couldn't wait, no matter the cost. Agne rose, paused briefly to reconsider the consequences, then resolutely strode across the courtyard in the direction of the personal baths of his master.

"How DARE you intrude!" bellowed the would-be god as he lounged in the huge bath which was, of course, frozen solid. His sacred horned helmet, worn only by the divine personage at bathtime and by the valkyrie while performing opera, sat askew upon his head giving him the appearance of a dolt. Ironic, thought Agne.

"Forgive me, Your Superness, but the icehawks have intercepted a message sent from one ..." Agnes consulted the paper, "... Trerachadh of Arcosephale to someone or something called The Dreaming Eye. It seems that, between them, they've claimed the land and seas of our world".

"Trerachadh? What kind of name is that? Are you telling me that there are other nations? How does that affect the Ascension Project business plan?" His helmet fell off - Odus was clearly upset.

"Trerachadh is Hdahcarert spelled backwards, my Lord, and it means you might not get to be a god."

Agne backed out of the bathroom as surreptitiously as he could, taking advantage of the loss of perception that occurred during a semidivine tantrum. He could see much more plainly than his master that their future did not necessarily hold the pleasures due to those that impose uncontested dominion, and that a retirement spent enjoying those pleasures would not be his as soon as he thought. If at all.