Mr. Davis examined the enormous open book beside Shade but asked nothing:
"It seems my guess was correct. The Order's predecessors were not entirely unaware of the Chosen One Ritual."
He was satisfied with that conclusion before finally mentioning the hand-carved wooden game piece. It had not even been painted and looked rather crudely made:
"As for this last item, I do not know its exact effect either. I know it does not even possess any elements, but it will most likely be able to help you—this piece was personally made by My Lord during His last descent, using wood from the treant He possessed."
Shade widened his eyes as he examined the piece, and Mr. Davis spoke with considerable emotion:
"The god did not say what this piece was meant for. He merely left it with us and told us to give it to the right person at the right time. I originally thought it would be used during the Battle of Vesta Woodland, and I kept carrying it with me during the camp's relocation. Unfortunately, it was never needed.
But now I understand. If there is a best moment for this piece to be useful, I fear it is this time."
Now Shade understood why Mr. Davis had said that appraising these items was itself Blasphemy:
"I understand. I will take good care of this piece. Thank you again, and thank the God of Luck again as well."
Of the three items, the Holy Bell was for fighting cultists, the dice were meant to play a role at the very end, and the piece of unknown purpose might prove effective when facing an evil god.
The Hermits of the Forest had truly provided help from every angle, and things had gone even better than Shade had expected before