The Guardian gods

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Björn hearing Olaf words grimaced before looking at Olaf "Whatever that thing was is still inside of me, I can only say that I am lucky to be back on my senses for now"

Olaf said nothing before Björn looked at the kneeling co-leaders, "Come inside we have a lot to talk about" Björn said as he walked back into his tent.

The co-leaders all stood up before looking at Olaf, nothing was said but it can be seen that they were actively using their eyes to communicate. Olaf nodded before walking into the tent, the other co-leaders followed right after.

Inside the tent, Björn sat in his throne made of bone and in front of him was a table where the other leaders sat in silence while looking at Björn.

"I remember things that happened after I was possessed, but I don't remember the settlement being the way it was right now, can anyone tell me why the settlement is in this state" Björn asked as he looked around at the leaders.

Finn spoke up calmly "Björn, since you remember most things then you also have to remember that we are no longer the same maybe not even humans anymore"

"Our transformation came with with a lot of not so good cons and the state of the settlement is a testament to that con, we no longer have some emotions that should have been there, our aesthetic or taste has changed, something orderly and nice is something we no longer like"

"The sight of chaos, sin, blood is what keeps us calm, after you were held off by the two leaders, we no longer had anything to do, we could no longer fight, bring about fear so we thought of a new way to keep ourselves entertained" Finn said as he calmly looked at Björn.

The other co-leaders said nothing but from their expression they agreed with what Finn said. Meanwhile Björn had no expression on his face hearing the words. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I understand but I'm am still disappointed if that was everything you guys could do as the co-leaders of this settlement"

"We lost a war, you didn't come around to discuss ways to improve our tactics in order to have a better chance at winning next time instead you let your instincts take over like animals" Björn said in a steady tone.

Looking at the co-leaders who didn't seem to take his words seriously, Björn moved his right hand to the side of his throne where his axe covered in blood was within reach.

"Do you know why that demon made you co-leaders?" Björn asked while gesturing to everyone at the table.

Sigmund one of the hunters who survived spoke up this time "Because we were different from everyone, we were able to keep our sense together after the ritual"

"Now, how would that demon react if it saw that you guys have given into your instincts like everyone else" Björn said as he grabbed hold of the axe.

Not waiting for the leaders to talk, Björn spoke up "You know my behaviour has also been affected just like you guys, I should feel repulsed at the things you do or say but yet I feel nothing rather than you did well"

"But, you see maybe it's because I recently got my sense back and haven't personally indulged in any of your debauchery, I don't feel or rather I don't like the way things is"

The aura around Björn changed and the leaders felt the similar presence that always put fear in them, Björn looked at the scared leaders while stroking his bloodied ax "you now have two choices in front of you, tame your instincts or indulge in your instincts"

The tent fell into silence, only the hastened breathing of the leaders could be heard as they really started thinking deeply into Björn's words. None of them really understood the demon but one thing they knew was that they are doomed once they are no longer of use to it.

There is also another thing bothering them which is if the current Björn was still himself, then how much has he been influenced by the demon.

Shaking their heads, "none of that matters once we are dead" the leaders all thought before bowing their heads to Björn.

"We deeply apologize for our past behaviours" they all said together.

Björn hearing that smiled as the scary aura around him dispersed as he looked at the leaders " See how easy it was to get things in control"

" We have indeed changed, no longer humans but more like beast which is why we should incorporate that into our way of living, the people outside this tent all follow our way of doing things"

" If the leaders act like animals, then they act like animals but once you reign in your instincts, they also do that because you all are stronger than them. They have no choice but to follow your lead" Björn said while looking at them.

" Do you all understand my point?" Björn asked as he placed the ax back to its position.

"We do" Olaf spoke up as the others nodded showing that they agreed.

"Now we all are on the same page, you are to go out there and get things under control. You all already know your men, also for the women that has been defiled, have some wise check if they have gotten pregnant"

" If they have, a better accommodation should be kept for them, as for the children bring them back to their parents, since some of them are still humans have some men go out hunting to prepare food for them"

"But keep this in mind while we are to bring order back to this settlement, we are not to forget we are transformed humans and still have our own needs"

"Which is why" saying that an eerie smile came upon Björn's face.

"While putting things in order, leave some loopholes that can bring about chaos, like picking out someone women and taking special care of them which will bring about the anger and jealousy of other women"

"The same thing with food, it should be distributed unfairly which will bring about chaos, observe never interfere unless needed also have some people come in and remake this throne of mine, the same material but make it look good"

Silence befell the tent once again as the leaders all sneaked a glance at Björn from the corner of their eyes.

At the same time, they all were thinking to themselves "is this still the same dude that was telling us to bring orders, it seems the demon influence on Björn is stronger than they thought to themselves"

Meanwhile Finn was looking deeply at Björn "I think I am starting to understand what you are looking for Björn"

Björn looked over to Finn with raised brows "Really, what's that?

Finn took a moment before responding, his gaze unwavering. "You aim to exploit the primal instincts within us, using them as tools to control and maintain dominance. It's not just about establishing order; it's about mastering the chaos within, steering it in a direction that serves your purpose."

Björn smirked, acknowledging Finn's perception. "You catch on fast, Finn. We are no longer bound by the same rules as ordinary humans. Our transformation has granted us a unique advantage, and we must use it to maintain control over this settlement. Fear, desire, and the struggle for power—they are the primal forces that will shape the hierarchy within our community."

"We lost a war, we need to adjust ourselves to be better, so the same thing won't repeat itself, which is why we are to use everything to our advantage" Finn nodded thoughtfully. "So, while we present ourselves as leaders restoring order, behind the scenes, we create the conditions for chaos to thrive. It's a delicate balance between control and chaos, where we exploit the vulnerabilities of humans and our own kind to keep them in check."

Björn chuckled, his eyes glinting with a mix of cunning and satisfaction. "Exactly, my friend. The puppeteer pulls the strings in the shadows, orchestrating a symphony of discord and unity. In this dance of chaos and control, we will solidify our dominance, and the others will unknowingly dance to our tune."

Meanwhile the demon inside of Björn mind smirked "Exactly, just as you are a puppet yourself boy"

Finn's expression grew serious as he considered the implications. "But, Björn, how far are you willing to go? Are there limits to the chaos we sow? What if it spirals out of control and endangers us all?"

Björn's smile faded for a moment, replaced by a contemplative gaze. "There are always risks, Finn. But we must be vigilant, watchful of the balance we tread. We control chaos; we don't succumb to it. If it threatens to consume us, we adjust our strategy. After all, it is meaningless if it leads to our own downfall."