11 And so at the behest of the all-knowing Ea, executor of knowledge and magic, Marduk was created. 12 The all-knowing Ea, in his everlasting wisdom, had created the ultimate force: heralded as the Arch-Warrior, Marduk was the great solution to the threat posed by the god-witch, Tiamet.
13 Through Ea’s infinite wisdom, Marduk was empowered with knowledge of war, battle and strategy. Tiamet, with her hordes of demons, and her Lieutenant, Dahak, stood not a chance against such martial prowess.
14 From the gods, Marduk received two important gifts—tools that would be instrumental in the destruction of Tiamet. From Ea, he received a golden bow, and from Anu, a silver net. 15 And so with his bow, and his silver net, Marduk strode forth to do battle against Tiamet for the very security of the heavens, and indeed, the universe.
16 It is often said that upon sounding his great battle cry, the four winds roused from their slumber to aid Marduk, the Champion of Heaven. 17 Collectively, the powerful Winds debilitated and abated the god-witch, Tiamet. The north, chilling her and slowing her; the west, knocking her feet from beneath her; the east, tossing her arms and defences aside; the south, battering her and bruising her.
18 And after the Winds had done their work, Marduk struck.
19 With a mighty swing, Marduk threw his great silver net towards the recoiling god-witch, Tiamet. The beast could not escape, and thus was ensnared. 20 Marduk then tied off his net, and drew forth his golden bow, the gift from Ea, his creator and friend. Drawing a single silver arrow, the colour of his great net, Marduk loosed.
21 It is said, then, that upon seeing the shaft fly, the north Wind flew into the net, and wrested Tiamet’s ugly maw open, allowing the silver arrow to enter. 22 The arrow entered and pierced Tiamet, killing her. As the god-witch fell, slain by the mighty Champion of Heaven, Marduk, the gods rejoiced, for they had been saved.
23 For his valour and courage, Marduk was given the crown of the Heavens, the throne of the Gods. He would ascend as King of the Gods, known then and forevermore as the Bel.
24 Praise Bel Marduk, King of the Gods, Champion of Heaven and the slayer of Tiamet!
Excerpt from the Book of Napsütés, from the Holy Scriptures of Marduk
A small smile played on the face of Néloas, Healer and Priest of Tharon, as he closed the old, weathered tome. The old book was bound in leather, and was in remarkable condition for its age. The healer rose from his reading spot beneath the old maple tree, book in hand. It was time to go.
He lifted a gauntleted hand, and whispered a prayer to Tharon. A soft bright, yellow light suffused the tome, then faded. It was once again shielded from curious readers. He picked up the book, and quickly stowed it away in his pack.
Taking up his leaning staff, he strode over to the path, and headed back to Cear. Maeve was probably wondering where he was.
