"Diplomacy"

"I'm ready," said Rudsis the following morning. 

He expected Treni to hug him and take him flying to Afena's settlement, but it had been a particularly good night for both of them, which made Treni smile at him, stand on the tip of her toes to kiss his forehead, and bless him with the power of flight.

"Try it yourself," she said. "Just will it. Practice a little bit. I'll be waiting here."

After flying over the city for a few minutes, followed by the awe-struck eyes of his citizens, Rudsis landed on top of the pyramid with the biggest grin Treni had ever seen on his face.

"Could you always do this?" he asked.

She shook her head. "The prayers coming from the towns made it possible only recently."

"All the more reason to stop that witch. You'll be able to do anything soon, goddess of Crown."