The journey to Alset Farm wasn't a short one. As the siblings stepped out of their residence, the village's well-maintained road gave way to less trodden paths, and the sounds of nature surrounded them. Birds chirped their morning songs, and a gentle breeze rustled the tree leaves. The path was well-marked, winding through woods and fields, offering a serene setting for conversation.
Roan cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Sis, I reckon I get why the Kingdom doesn't want folks prayin' to just any ol' god, but what's the real reason behind it?"
Lynna, with her scholarly background from her classes at the Academy, was well-versed on the subject. "Well, the laws were created to maintain harmony within the Kingdom. You see, when people blindly follow or worship an unknown deity, they can be easily manipulated. Besides, belief makes gods powerful, and it's their choice to use this power for good or evil. The Kingdom is cautious about miracles that are hard to predict, as they could disturb the usual order. In the end, the Realm does not want to suppress beliefs, but rather ensure they align with the common good."
Roan scratched his head. "So it's sorta like a quality check of sorts?"
Lynna chuckled. "In simple terms, yes. Each new deity is carefully examined. They are assessed based on their intent and the benefits they bring to the Kingdom and its inhabitants. Only those deemed 'beneficial' are approved."
"What if they ain't?"
"Then their worship is strictly prohibited, the same law applies to them as the unknown deity rule. But I read there are many reasons for it. Cults often bring with them ulterior motives, driven by egoistic desires. For instance, the worship of Venacia, the goddess of jealousy, is well-known and forbidden."
Roan looked intrigued. "Venacia? Why's she off-limits?"
"Ah, Venacia." Lynna paused, gathering her thoughts. "She's often sought after in love disputes. Oh, speaking of which," Lynna's eyes sparkled mischievously, "I heard a rather amusing story at the Academy once. There was a couple in a neighboring town, and it seems the husband had taken a mistress. Furious, the wife prayed fervently to Venacia, seeking revenge against the other woman. And guess what? The very next day, the mistress was found completely bald in the town square! Not a single strand of hair on her head! It even couldn't grow back." Lynna chuckled, "Needless to say, everyone in the village knew exactly what had transpired, and the husband was left red-faced for months!"
Roan burst out laughing, slapping his thigh in amusement. "Well, ain't that a lesson for folks messin' around! So, pray to the wrong god, and my beautiful wife's locks could be in danger!" He winked. "I will stick to Steia's prayers then."
"Exactly," Lynna chuckled.
Their conversation continued, but it soon turned to lighter subjects as they neared Alset Farm. Fields of barley and wheat stretched out before them, swaying rhythmically with the wind. At the heart of these fields stood a well-kept farmhouse, where the Alset Family resided. The familiar landscape made Lynna uneasy, bringing back memories of her last visit. It was in the forest close to here where she had been ambushed and wounded by the unknown creature.