Full Circle

Buffy lifted her head upon hearing Sauron’s name, shocked by his sudden arrival. She was unsure whether he was there to help or gloat over her latest misfortune. Their eyes locked briefly, before Morgoth’s first lieutenant shifted his gaze to the Vala Lord.

“What is this, Marduk?” he asked in a low growl. To the Slayer’s surprise, the men nearly knocked each other over getting out of the Maia’s way as he crossed the chamber. The beastly creatures that surrounded Buffy squawked and squealed, bolting into the throng of spectators. It appeared that Marduk’s loyal followers feared the Necromancer.

The Vala Lord climbed down the steps, ignoring the Maia’s question. “Sauron, I must say, I wasn’t expecting you. Welcome! What brings you so far from home, my old friend?”

“I think that’s rather obvious, don’t you?” The Maia glanced from Marduk to Buffy. “It appears that I’ve arrived in the nick of time.” He fixed his narrowed gaze on the Vala Lord, undoing the wolf head-shaped clasp on his black silky cloak. “Tell me, friend, why is it that Melkor’s beloved is cowering on the floor naked?” Sauron helped a misty-eyed Buffy to her feet, covering her nudity with his cloak.

“You cannot fathom what that… that impudent woman has done to me,” he answered with such loathing. He came to a stop on the last step, standing inches over the Maia. “She has sought to destroy my House and is responsible for the death of… ”

“I had nothing to do with Nabu’s death!” blurted out the Slayer. She was astonished that her courage seemed to be growing by Sauron’s mere presence. Holding the cloak tightly closed, she looked the Maia in the eyes. “One of his own cronies killed his son. Not me! He’s just pissed because Nabu was helping me escape.” She cast a contemptuous look at the Vala Lord before turning her attention back to the Necromancer. “He’s holding me and Olofin prisoners, Sauron. I haven’t seen my son at all. I don’t know if he’s okay or not. And after seeing what Marduk was willing to do to me, Eru only knows what’s happened to him!”

A heated argument then broke out between Buffy and Marduk, each attempting to out-shout the other. It had gotten so bad that Sauron ended up pulling Marduk aside, talking with him in private. The Slayer watched the two Ainur intently; annoyed that she couldn’t hear a single word that they were saying over the din that erupted in the room. Occasionally, they would glance her way, the Vala Lord waving his finger threateningly in her direction. It angered Buffy that Sauron listened to Marduk’s side of the story before her own. She wasn’t sure what to make of that.

After several minutes, the Maia came up to Buffy while the Vala Lord spoke with a handful of his minions.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“I’ve had better days.”

“Tell me, what is it with you and pyramids?” asked Sauron with a sly grin, attempting to make light of the situation.

“Ha, ha. Very funny,” responded the Slayer, her lack of amusement quite evident.

“Come,” he said, taking her by the elbow. The crowd dispersed as they crossed the chamber. “Marduk will bring you something more appropriate to wear and he’s ordering his men to bring Olofin here immediately.” He turned his narrowed eyes on the Vala Lord. “Melkor would have a fit if he knew what that scoundrel was up to… ”

“Melkor?” she queried, looking up at the Maia with surprise. “He doesn’t know you’re here.”

“No, I’ve come on my own accord.” He chuckled at the expression on Buffy’s face. “Don’t look so surprised. I still have spies in the East, Inanna. Lutz isn’t my only connection to these parts… although it’s quite distressing to see that his allegiance has shifted after so many years of loyal service.” He shook his head in disappointment. “He is yet another one of my brethren that you’ve managed to turn astray.” They started down the passageway. “You must possess some remarkable… er, skills to have had such an effect on Lutz, truly amazing… ”

“Shut up,” she mumbled, knowing damn well what the Maia was suggesting.

“For goodness sake, he even killed his lovers for you.”

Buffy stopped, eyeing the Maia with suspicion. “Why are you here?”

Sauron halted and faced the Slayer. A smile came to his face. “I’ve come to save you, my dear. And I daresay that my timing was impeccable, once again. A few more minutes and you and Birdman would be copulating for the amusement of Marduk and his fiendish followers.” He folded his arms across his chest, his eyebrows raised. “I deem a word of thanks is in order, would you not agree?”

Buffy frowned. Why did Sauron have to be the one to come to her rescue? “Thanks,” she muttered half-heartedly as they continued down the corridor.

The Maia led her down a flight of stairs and into a large chamber that had far too few furnishings for its size. The room seemed sterile, just like all Marduk’s pyramids. How Buffy longed to return to the comforts of Eanna! Sauron instructed her to take a seat at the massive table in the center of the chamber.

“What the hell is this?” The Slayer had expected to be taken to more suitable quarters where she would be able to dress in something more appropriate than Sauron’s cloak. “I thought I was gonna be given some clothing.”

“You will,” replied the Maia, pulling out a chair. “We’ll wait here in the meantime.”

Buffy reluctantly took a seat. The ticking of a clock echoed in the otherwise silent chamber. She pulled the cloak around her tighter as a sudden chill swept over her. She looked nervously around the room, aware of Sauron’s constant gaze. After several long minutes, she spoke.

“He took my powers, you know,” the Slayer whispered in a broken voice. Her tear-filled eyes stared fixedly on the square flat stones of the floor. The Maia made no reply. Buffy could feel the intensity of his scrutinizing gaze watching her every move. Silence fell between them once again. She didn’t know what she expected Sauron to say. Something, she supposed. Anything.

“I must say that I’m quite baffled, Inanna,” said the Necromancer at last. “Why do I get the impression that you have no desire to return Beleriand?” She lifted her gaze, meeting his, but said nothing. “I would expect that you’d be most anxious to see your… beloved Maglor.” Buffy shifted her eyes to her lap at the mention of her husband’s name. She nervously fiddled with the fabric of the cloak. “What is it you fear?” he continued softly. “Do you fear that the son of Fëanor will learn of your infidelities? That he would not understand that he wed one that will never truly be faithful to him. Or is it that you’ve tasted true power and are not yet ready to let it go?” He chuckled. “Perhaps it’s both.”

The Maia leaned in closer. “If power is what you desire, then return with me to Angband.” He lifted her chin, so that their eyes locked. “My Master is a forgiving Lord, Inanna. His anger at your betrayal has waned. You have demonstrated that you and he are very much alike, that you’re meant to be together. Come back with me. Take your seat beside Melkor, and together you both can rule Arda as it was destined to be. All Middle-earth shall be your kingdom… ”

“I already have my kingdom,” she replied, easing backwards and out of Sauron’s grasp.

His lips curled into a small smile. “I’m afraid that that is no longer the case. Your kingdom in the East has been forfeited.” The Slayer looked questioningly at the Maia. “Oh, yes, my dear. Olofin has signed away your rights to hold the scepter in the East. He and Marduk have reached an agreement of sorts. Your reign here as Supreme Vala is over… ”

“I never consented to such a thing!” she exclaimed, leaping from her chair. “Olofin had no right… ”

“He is your heir apparent,” interjected the Necromancer, leaning back in his chair. “He had every right to act in your stead when you were… incapacitated! What’s done is done. Marduk healed you and in return he gets possession of Sumer and Akkad as payment for his services… ”

“Bullshit! That son-of-a-bitch took my powers. That wasn’t part of any deal!”

“Marduk did what he had to, to ensure that you would follow through on the promise made by your son.” He rose from his seat and slowly approached the Slayer. “Your powers will come back… in time,” he said reassuringly. Sauron paused; Buffy was not happy. “There is no way out of this, Inanna. Marduk has earned the right to regain the scepter. Come now, you’ve wasted enough time in the East. The time has come for you to return to your home in the west.”

“Why are you so anxious for me to return?”

“What can I say? Beleriand just isn’t the same without you,” he answered with a chortle. “You’ve been gone for nearly a century, Inanna, eighty-four-and-a-half years to be more precise.” Sauron stepped closer, invading her personal space. He raised his hand, cupping her face; his calloused thumb gently caressed her soft pale skin. Buffy remained still, unable to move. “So weak, so vulnerable,” he continued in a barely audible voice.

There was a look in his eyes that she had never seen before - was it pity? Sorrow? Concern? Or perhaps a combination of them all. Regardless of what it was, the Slayer felt as though Sauron could see right through her and the façade that she had put up years ago.

“You’ve come far, my dear Inanna, so very far.” His features softened, a wistful look came to his face. “You’ve been dumped into this world, blind and oblivious, only to discover that you’re so much more than just a simple Dagnir.” He traced her jaw line with his fingertips, his hand gently gliding down her neck. Buffy’s breathing came in rasps yet she remained frozen to the spot, mesmerized by the Necromancer’s eyes. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn’t turn her gaze away. Sauron’s hand came to a stop on her heart. “You have discovered the darkness that dwells within you… and have embraced it!” he continued in the same hypnotic tone. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. When his eyes opened again, they sparkled with enlightenment. “You fear that you’ve become one of the creatures that you’ve been hunting all your life, a parasite that feeds upon the weak and humbling masses.”

“You… you don’t know,” stammered the stunned Slayer. “How… how can you know?”

“I see it all, here.” Buffy felt his finger poke her chest. “Your heart has betrayed you, Inanna. You cannot hide your true feelings from me.” He inched closer; his penetrating dark eyes made her feel more naked than when she was in Marduk’s Great Chamber minutes before. “I see all,” he whispered. The Slayer remained transfixed. She could feel Sauron’s warm breath on her skin. Both the look in his eyes and mannerisms made her highly uncomfortable. The door to the room suddenly swung open and the voices of many men carried into the room. The spell that Sauron had woven about the Slayer broke, causing her to take a step backwards before turning away from the Maia. Buffy was dismayed by her momentarily lapse of self-control.

A dozen men scurried into the room along with Marduk. The Vala Lord handed Buffy a plain grey tunic and a pair of oversized sandals. “You’ll have to make do with these,” he sneered.

“Where can I dress?” she asked, her face flush from the incident with Sauron.

Marduk gave her an incredulous look. “Do you actually expect me to cater to your whims, Ishtar? I think not!” he spat venomously. “Be grateful that I’ve given you garments to put on. Dress here, for all I care. It’s not like we haven’t all seen your nakedness.” A sinister smile came to his face as he gave her the once-over. “Besides, you have nothing that impresses me!”

As the men took their seats at the table, the Slayer walked over to the far corner of the room and changed into the tunic that was at least two sizes too big. She slid her feet into the overly large sandals, picked up the cloak, and headed back to the table where the men were waiting for her. She handed the satiny garment back to Sauron, doing her best to avoid making eye contact with him before taking a seat herself. One of the men then started to read the agreement signed by both Marduk and Olofin aloud.

The Slayer sat there, her lips pressed together so tightly that they were nearly white from lack of blood flow. A slight ticking in the muscle of her right cheek exposed her bitterness of the whole situation. It took everything she had to sit there, poised but powerless, as she heard the declaration that stripped her of all authority in the East. Marduk wanted it all - her entire empire. With a mere stroke of a quill, Olofin had signed away all Buffy’s rights to Sumer, Akkad, and all temples and fortresses east of Orocarni. Technically, Hírilost fell into that category, although it was not part of either territory. The Slayer was confident that the Vala Lord did not know of it, as it lay at the feet of the Iron Mountains in the far north, and outside the lands that he had frequented in the past.

Her eyes darted up when she heard the words, “… as signed by Olofin Tirnon on the 22nd day of the third month in Year 245 in the reckoning of Sumer.” The speaker looked up, meeting Buffy’s gaze. “And it is signed in the half-elf’s blood, rendering this document indissoluble. Any attempt at circumventing any of the aforementioned conditions will result in the death of your son.”

Before the Slayer could voice her objection, the stone door swung open again, and this time Olofin and a muzzled Kit and Kat entered accompanied by a handful of guards. Without hesitation, Buffy jumped from her seat and ran into her son’s outstretched arms. The half-elf pulled his mother into an embrace, lifting her off her feet. Both shed tears of joy at their reunion. Once separated, each looked the other over for any visible signs of injury. While hurriedly talking in hushed voices, Buffy learned that Olofin and the lion’s magics had been subdued like her own. As long as he and her babies were safe, she could deal with their lack of powers for a while.

She was now most eager to leave Egypt and return with her son and kitties to Eridu. Unfortunately, Marduk had something else in mind. He then began reading off his new edicts as Supreme God in the East. Buffy went ballistic when she learned that the Vala Lord had no intensions on releasing her son.

“Olofin shall remain in my custody as a guarantee that you will not violate my laws,” he said. “I know you, Inanna Ishtar. If you had your way, you’d retaliate against me. If you try to do so or usurp my power in any way, then your son dies.”

The Slayer was beside herself. Crying hysterically, she pleaded with the Vala Lord to let Olofin depart the East with her. When her tears failed to move Marduk, she turned to Sauron for support.

“I’m sorry, Inanna, it is normal custom in these parts. Olofin shall become a ward of Marduk. Be grateful that he is willing to take him under his tutelage. He will not be treated as a prisoner, but as an honored guest.”

“Please, Lord,” she cried, falling on her knees, grabbing hold of Marduk’s hand. “Keep me as a prisoner instead of my son. He has done nothing wrong. Take your anger out on me. Lock me in the dungeons. Kill me. I don’t care. But please set Olofin free. I beg of you, o’ most Holy One.”

“This is not a matter open to debate,” hissed the Vala Lord.

“I can’t return home without him. Please, Marduk. I’ll give you anything else, but please don’t take my boy.”

Marduk was savoring the moment. Nothing brought him greater joy than seeing the Slayer groveling at his feet. But what she didn’t know was that the Vala Lord did not want to keep the half-elf in his realm. It was a merely a ruse. As he listened to Buffy’s sobs, he looked over at Sauron. The Maia gave a slight nod of his head. Marduk’s smile widened in return.

“I will take pity on you, Ishtar.” She raised her head, tears continued to spill from her eyes. She nervously waited for him to continue. “I will give you a choice: Olofin or the Oracles. You decide who stays behind with me… ”

“The twins?” It then dawned on Buffy that that was Marduk’s intension from the get-go. He wanted Anno and Mirë all along. She remembered when she first met the Vala - he had come to Eridu seeking counsel with the twins.

The Slayer felt like her heart had been ripped out of her chest. Either way it was a lose-lose situation for her. Having to choose which of her children stayed behind with the enemy was gut-wrenching. She’d rather face the cruelty of the Vala Lord herself, even if it meant being thrown to his beastly creatures. She’s the one who ousted him from the throne, not her children. She should have to pay. Yet Marduk refused to budge. He wanted her to make a decision right then and there. Olofin offered to stay, but in the end, Buffy told the Vala Lord that the twins would remain behind.

As soon as her choice was made, things moved rather quickly. A large assembly of people including Buffy and Olofin would depart Egypt within the hour for Ur, where Buffy would inform Marto of what she had done.

Before Sauron departed, he pulled Marduk aside. “Your power has been restored, Marduk, but a word of warning: if you harm Inanna in a way, you will face my wrath… ”

“But… but she’s made a mockery of me,” protested the disheartened Vala Lord. “Turn about is fair play.”

“Belittle her all you want, I care not. But under no circumstance are you to physically harm her in any way. If you so much as pull a hair from her golden head, I will rip yours off and drink from your brainstem. Do you understand me?” hissed the Maia in a low voice.

“Yes, perfectly,” grumbled Marduk.

Buffy’s chariot was harnessed to Kit and Kat. She and Olofin rode in her vehicle along with one guard. They were surrounded by at least one hundred men, if not more. Marduk was also part of the group, flying in his ram-drawn chariot. The Slayer was grateful that the lions still possessed the ability to fly. It was their gift of teleporting at will that Marduk had suppressed.

A few days later, they arrived at Marto’s chief city in Ur. Buffy was free to go to her or Marto’s temple, but nowhere else. With Olofin in tow, she made a beeline for her temple where she sought help from her Valkyrie High Priestess.

“Tulcë!” exclaimed the Slayer repeatedly, running down the corridors. Men and women came flying out of the cult rooms, overjoyed to see that their mistress had returned, healthy and free (or so they thought). When Buffy found the Valkyrie, she pulled her into an embrace. “My powers are gone,” she whispered hastily. “Take us to Folkvang. Pronto!” The Maia grabbed hold of Olofin before she vanished, leaving both mother and son behind. “Damn it!” The Slayer’s hope of taking her youngest born to Folkvang were dashed. A couple of seconds later, the Valkyrie maiden reappeared, greatly disturbed by the Vala of Love’s inability to teleport to her own sanctuary.

Buffy instructed the High Priestess to gather all the other Valkyries at Eanna and remove all her treasures to Sussrúmnir, including the sarcophagus of Sargon. She wanted her temple cleaned out before the renegade Vala could lay claim of her most prized possessions. He could have Eanna, but not the contents. When the Maia left, the Slayer and Olofin traveled to Marto’s Halls. It seemed strange to her not being able to teleport at will. She had never journeyed through Ur by vehicle before.

Buffy met with Marto in private. She explained the situation to him, leaving out no detail. Her former lover did not take the news well. He wept upon hearing that his children were being forced into the servitude of the Vala Lord. He wanted to know how long the twins had to remain in the East, something that Buffy never thought to ask. Immediately, Marto set off to speak with Marduk. He wanted answers. Sadly, the Vala Lord refused to see anyone until after his crowning ceremony. The Maia then left for Eridu, so that he could inform the twins of their fate. Of course, the Oracles had already foreseen what destiny had in store for them.

It took twenty-hours for the populace to assemble in the courtyard in front of Marto’s Halls for the renegade Vala’s crowning ceremony. He vowed to heal the sick, if the people accepted and worshipped him as their only God. He even went as far as blaspheming Eru Ilúvatar by referring to himself as the ‘Allfather,’ and ‘The One.’ Buffy, under heavy guard, not only placed the crown on his head, but also handed over the Scepter of Ur. To her dismay, the fickle masses quickly turned on her, calling her the Vala of Fornication, at the instigation of Marduk. To add to her humiliation, Marduk made her to bow down before him and kiss his bare feet, which smelled like goat feces.

Buffy was in tears by the end of the ceremony. She couldn’t believe how quick mankind turned on her after all that she had done for them. While Olofin tried to assure her that everything would be alright, that most certainly wasn’t the case. Ur was just the beginning. Marduk forced her to travel from city-state to city-state in both Sumer and Akkad. He then proceeded to demean her before the cheering masses everywhere they went. The last ceremony was held at the chief city in the East: Eridu, home of the Valkyries, Maiar, and Elves.

Having all her loved ones present made a difficult situation much more bearable. Those faithful to her were outraged at Marduk’s deplorable behavior. They demanded retribution. They wanted to fight the renegade Vala with what might they could muster. Buffy begged them not to, as that would instantly get the twins killed. For Anno and Mirë could not flee to Folkvang either. Somehow, Marduk had altered their magics too. Her people had to accept, as she had, that her reign in the East was over.

The last of the ceremonies was by far the worst although not many actually witnessed it. Eridu was Buffy’s favorite city, Eanna, her home, and to witness so many people rallying to Marduk upset her greatly. Long gone was the sacred Holy Cross, the icon that represented both her and Eru Ilúvatar. She had already rued the day when she ordered that symbol removed from her beloved cities. Regrettably, she could not solely use her madness as an excuse. The Slayer still had mixed feelings about the cross since her crucifixion, but now she understood how truly important it was. The cross possessed truly amazing powers both in goodness and in repelling evil. By removing it from her lands, she permitted the wicked Vala to come in and seize her kingdom.

Over the dais in the centermost hall, Marduk unveiled a new symbol: the pentagram. Buffy recalled that icon from ‘modern’ times and erroneously believed it to be a sign of evil. Unbeknownst to her at the time, the renegade Vala made that icon to represent those whom he deemed to be the five most powerful deities in Eä: Melkor, himself, Aulë, Ulmo and Buffy. The Slayer would not learn the whole story behind it until centuries later.

As the Slayer climbed the steps of the dais behind Marduk, she couldn’t help but notice that Naram-Sin had returned from hiding. Dressed in his kingly regalia, he sat at the forefront of the crowd with others from his noble house. If looks could kill, the mortal king would’ve died on the spot. Buffy could not find forgiveness in her heart for the one that inflicted her with the malady that ultimately led to her downfall. She could only hope that the old adage, “what comes around, goes around,” would find its way to Naram-Sin, smiting him tenfold. The sight of him alone caused her to become so angry that when she fell to her knees before the Vala Lord, Buffy no longer felt mortified by the experience. As her lips brushed the stinking flesh of his feet (they stunk like vomit), she vowed that she would one day get her revenge on Marduk. She lifted her gaze, her eyes blazing with such fury that the renegade Vala looked at her in fear.

Sauron stood leaning against the banister of the gallery looking down upon the scene unfolding before his eyes with great interest. His heart went aflutter when he saw the utter look of hatefulness and disdain that the Slayer gave Marduk. That image was seared into his memory forever. For in his mind’s eye, that was the true Inanna Ishtar. And the Maia, for one, would see to it that Buffy never forgot the feelings that coursed through her at that particular moment in time. He would use it as a means of manipulating her to action when he deemed the time was right.

Marduk, alarmed by the look in Buffy’s eyes, demanded that she and her people leave the East at once. The Slayer rose to her feet, her lips curled into a malevolent grin, delighted that she sensed fear emanating from the Vala Lord. It was her one bright spot in the past several months. She turned, glancing around the enormous atrium one last time as she descended the steps of the dais. She spotted Sauron watching from the gallery above. He nodded his head in acknowledgement before Buffy left the building.

Once outside, she immediately began giving orders to the priestesses gathered around her. “Get me the Cross of Brolach from Naram-Sin. There’s no way in hell that piece of shit is gonna keep a token from my House.” She started climbing down the seventy-seven stairs accompanied by her maidens. “I want you guys to keep the journals of the royal bloodlines going in every city-state in the East. I want to know every birth and death that takes place while I’m in exile. I want copies of all Marduk’s new laws once enacted. He’s obviously gonna replace a lot of heads of state, so keep up to date with who’s appointed as what. Log all the royal bloodlines! I cannot stress how important that is to me. I want them all recorded into the journal, legitimate heirs or not. Record them all. Send me copies every five years with any pertinent information that I should know. Keep tabs on Marduk himself. With the death of Nabu, I’m sure there’s gonna be another heir. Try to get as many as you can to infiltrate the Vala’s camp… you’re best bet will be using the priests for that task.” She sighed heavily. “Just do what you can.”

At the bottom of the stairs, Buffy said her final farewell to the twins. Marduk had commanded that they remain in Eridu for one thousand years. That seemed like an eternity to the Slayer, but her children took it in stride.

“We knew this moment would come,” Anno confided to his mother, father, sister and half-brother as they huddled together at the bottom of the stairs. He looked at Olofin, shrugging his shoulders. “That’s the reason why I wasn’t so eager for you to take nana to Marduk. We knew that we’d ultimately pay the price.”

“I’m sorry, my brother,” said the sullen half-elf. “I’d trade places with both you and Mirë if I could.”

Anno place his hand comfortingly on Olofin’s shoulder. “Do not fret, Fin, mother needs you. At least Mirë and I have each other,” he glanced up at Marto, “and father, of course.”

“Rejoice in knowing that we shall have a little fun at the Vala Lord’s expense,” added Mirë with an impish grin. “Who is he to think that we shall tell him of everything that we see?”

“Mirë and I have already decided that some things will be left to chance,” chimed in Anno.

“A flip of coin should do the trick,” giggled his twin sister.

“That’s my babies,” said Buffy, pulling them into one last embrace. “I love you both. Take care of each other. And stay in touch. The falcons can get your letters to me quick enough. Be careful.”

“Do not worry, mother. No ill will come to us,” said Anno confidently.

“If Marduk harms you… ” Buffy’s words faltered, her eyed welled with tears. “He’ll… he’ll… ”

“He’ll die a horribly cruel and unmerciful death - the like never seen before?” suggested Marto.

The Slayer smiled. “Yeah, something like that.” It meant a lot to her that her former lover didn’t show her any animosity over the situation.

Minutes later, Buffy and her train began their long journey into the west. People lined up on either side of the main street that zigzagged down the side of the mount, jeering at the company as they passed them by. The Green-elves, their voices full of sorrow, sang a song of lamentation in the elvish tongue as they marched down the road. To them, the Slayer would always remain Queen and the Valië that they cherished most. And after witnessing mankind’s dubiousness yet again, they had no love for that race whatsoever. They would carry that aversion and resentment with them into the west.

When the caravan reached the lower tier of the city, thousands of mortals were waiting in anticipation. At the forefront was none other than Sargon’s daughter, Enheduanna, and her eldest son, Ishmal. They refused to honor the self-appointed despot and all those of like mind wished to follow Buffy and her group into the west. The Slayer was so touched by the people’s devotion that she readily agreed. Not only that, but the old woman presented the Vala of Love with the Cross of Brolach, which Buffy, in turn, gave to Ishmal, naming him High Lord of the Edain (‘the Second Ones’).

The last thing the Green-elves wanted was for mankind to join them on their exodus. They were quick to voice their grievances to the Slayer, pointing out that winter was rapidly approaching and that there was not enough provisions to sustain so many people. Buffy listened, but refused to budge on the matter.

“These mortals refuse to forsake me!” she countered, taken aback by the elves’ hostile attitude. “But you expect me to forsake them because the probability that they’ll turn on me somewhere down the line exists. Anyone can turn on anyone! Haven’t we already witnessed that firsthand? Did I dream up all that shit with Úrion and the elves from my own Household? Was that some fragment of my imagination?” Buffy took a deep breath. She didn’t mean to sound so indignant, but her nerves were quite frazzled. “Listen, I don’t want to sound bitchy, but as long as I’m leading this group you all have to comply with my wishes. They haven’t wronged me and they’re coming whether you like it or not. So, just let it rest. Tolerate them, for me. Okay?” The elves reluctantly agreed.

Once that matter was settled, the elves brought up another one: which route they’d take to Beleriand. The elves desperately wanted to go south so that they could look upon the shores of Cuiviénen once again. But Buffy didn’t like that idea; it would bring the people too close to Marduk’s fortresses in Egypt. Her heart told her that they must go north. She wasn’t sure how they’d cross the Red Mountains, but she was resolved to go that way nevertheless.

The caravan set off once again. Nearly one hundred and fifty-thousand mortals, elves and Maiar marched north across the plains along with many beasts of burden and livestock of all varieties. It was noisy and slow moving. There were many times when the Slayer looked over her shoulder, watching as Eanna became smaller and smaller the further north they traveled. Even from afar, it shimmered like a blue star under the fading light of the sun.

The group had traveled nearly thirty miles before they came to a halt for the night. Buffy wandered off alone and wept. She wept for her children and her own folly. She wanted beyond anything to speak with Luthor. She hadn’t seen him since she came back and wondered where he was. The Slayer couldn’t help but think that he had finally deserted her after all the grief she had put him through. She couldn’t blame him. She had treated him like shit.

Buffy was so exhausted, both emotionally and physically, that she collapsed onto the grass, eager for sleep. Yet she found no rest. She assumed that everyone was as tired as she was but that apparently wasn’t true. To her annoyance (and the elves), the mortals began copulating so loudly that they disturbed her slumber. She was miffed by their behavior, even though she had encouraged it in the past. Back then, she was concerned with replenishing mankind’s numbers and procreation was the only means of doing that. But now, their numbers had multiplied and the Slayer had a change of heart regarding their lack of morality as well as her own.

She ordered her chariot harnessed to the lions and quickly ascended into the starless sky, circling above the masses below. Buffy then delivered a speech, so powerful and profound, that Man trembled to hear her words. She demanded that they put an end to their licentious ways if they wished to seek salvation in the west. She recanted nearly all of the laws that had governed Mesopotamia (‘Land Between the Two Rivers’), including polygamy. In its place, she commanded all to follow elvish laws and customs, which she then named from memory. Those who did not wish to follow the new laws were free to return to Eridu without persecution. None had left.

She concluded her speech with, “I am a flawed God, unworthy of praise or devotion.” She choked back her tears, dreading what she was about to say next. “From this day forward, all are forbidden to venerate me as you once did. I have fallen from grace and must atone for my sins. I’ve lead you all astray… and that burden weighs heavily on my shoulders. Long shall be our road to redemption! Put your faith into Ilúvatar, for only He has the ability to answer your prayers. Not me.”

Buffy then flew back to her campsite. The Valkyries came running up to her cart.

“My Lady, how can you say such a thing - denouncing your rightful place amongst the Valier? That is madness!” said a shocked Vórëa.

“How can I have the mortals look to me after everything I’ve done?” she asked forlornly. The Slayer shifted her sad eyes from the Valkyrie to the cedar forest several miles ahead. “I need some of you to go to Folkvang and retrieve the bars from the Cross of Ilúvatar,” said Buffy, changing the subject unexpectedly.

Vórëa’s jaw dropped. She had no idea that her mistress knew that they had hidden the pieces. “How… how did you know?” she stammered.

The Slayer fixed her gaze on the woman. “I know more than you think!”

The woman dropped her head. “I’m sorry for disobeying you, my Lady. It’s just… ”

“You don’t have to apologize, Vórëa. Neither do the rest of you,” interjected Buffy, glancing at the other women that surrounded her chariot. She looked back at the chief Valkyrie. “The holy bars weren’t meant to be destroyed… you knew that.” She lifted the Maia’s chin. “That was one of the wisest decisions that you could ever have made.” The Vala of Love smiled warmly at the woman. “They’re more important than you imagine. But now, I need for you to retrieve them.” Buffy’s gaze shifted to the wood. She clasped the front panel of the chariot tightly with both hands and sighed. “It’s time to put them to use. Meet me at the wood. Bring both bars. Go!” The women jumped out of the way as Kit and Kat took off, soaring into the pitch-black sky.

Since her illness, the Slayer had a better understanding of how things worked in the world, including how to negotiate with a very powerful demon whose lands she wanted to cross. She knew that if she didn’t speak with Humbaba or present him with a mighty gift, he’d kill all the people that approached his forest. Besides, he was destined to become her ally. She had seen that.

The lions landed at the edge of the wood. Buffy climbed off the chariot and approached the stand of cedar trees. She stood, her head cocked to the side, listening hard for any sound. She heard no roaring sound, only a hooting of an owl some distance away. She held her hands up as she took a couple of steps into the darkness of the forest.

“I come in peace, Humbaba.” Buffy could feel a heaviness on the air. She knew that the demon was close by, watching and waiting. “I have been exiled from the East and I’ve come seeking your permission for me and my people to cross your lands so that we may escape the tyranny of Amarutu Marduk. That Vala has once again regained power.” Her eyes searched the darkness of the wood for any sign of the demon. She saw nothing.

The Valkyries suddenly arrived carrying the two heavy beams of the Cross of Ilúvatar. Buffy instructed the women to slowly follow her into the woods. “These are my gift to you, Lord. These two silver beams possess great supernatural powers. They were hallowed by me back in the day. It is Ilúvatar’s will that I give them to you. Take them to one of your clearings and bury them, one hundred feet apart and twenty-five feet deep. You, my Lord, have been chosen as the Guardian of these blessed objects. Water them with your blood and you shall soon see these things transform into something more splendid than anything that you ever imagined.” She told the women to place the beams on the ground and to wait for her at the edge of the forest. “All I ask in return is that you do not hinder my people from crossing your lands and allow me to return to your wood after the transformation is complete.” She fell quiet, waiting for some type of acknowledgement. She didn’t get one. “I’m going to assume that you accept my gifts and that my people are permitted to pass. We will not touch your trees.”

Buffy turned and started walking out of the wood. From behind, she could hear the silver beams being dragged across the forest floor. Humbaba had accepted her gift, and what a gift it was!

“You have my leave,” said the voice of the demon.

“Thank you.”

The Slayer approached her Valkyries. She felt better knowing that she didn’t have to worry about Humbaba shooting death rays at her people as they passed by. One problem solved. If she could only figure out how to get the masses to the other side of the Orocarni, she’d feel a lot better. The Slayer then ordered her women to travel in fey form along the mountain chain in search of the dwarf door that led to their dwelling place. If they could find that, surely the Naugrim would let them pass through their Halls.

At first light, the convoy of people started out once again. Buffy posted Maiar along the border of the cedar forest to make sure that none entered the wood of Humbaba. She was relieved when all passed by without incident. The group marched from sun up to sundown every day, making little progress in the Slayer’s eyes. Unfortunately, the northern winds brought the driving rains, which caused many of the carts to get stuck in the muddy fields. While Buffy wished they could forgo the wagons altogether, they carried many vital supplies and tools that were much too heavy to be carried on one’s back. She worried about the mortals and the hardship of the journey. Many would not live to see the beauty of the western lands. She decided to have some of the Maiar return to Folkvang so that those in the Blessed Realm could begin churning out lembas bread to feed the masses. With all the rain, it was nearly impossible to keep any fires going. It was going to be a long, miserable trip.