The Loa were primordial gods, and their relationship with the Trolls was one of mutual symbiosis. The Trolls offered them souls and faith, while the Loa accepted their worship and lent them their power. It was a kind of transaction.
Since it was a trade, there could be gains and losses. Some greedy Loa would take advantage of the Trolls when they were in crisis, extorting their faith and souls. If the Trolls refused, the Loa would withdraw their power and even enslave them. Soulflayer Hakkar had once enslaved the Jungle Trolls of Zul'Gurub for their souls, an event that shocked Troll societies across the world.
"Of course not." Faced with Tian Sang's shock, Ulathek instinctively denied it. Well, truth be told, she was a little tempted to take advantage of the situation. But being too blatant about it would seem unbecoming of a deity and undermine her dignity.
"That's wonderful. You'll help us, won't you?" Seeing Ulathek deny it so readily, Tian Sang felt a flicker of joy. Then he quickly realized that this deity wasn't trying to take advantage of them in their hour of need; she was simply raising her price. The two weren't all that different, but at least this was something he could accept.
"Of course. It's just that I don't think my standing on the Altar of Deities warrants me doing this." Ulathek spoke somewhat delicately. Her temperament was unpredictable, and she spread her faith as the mood took her. This time, she had grown restless and wanted to improve her position. But on second thought, perhaps this sort of behavior was beneath a deity.
"This enemy attack is your opportunity. You can show us in Zul'Aman your magnificent power and presence, while I can proclaim your might to the people and help raise your standing on the Altar of Deities."
Hearing Ulathek's words, Tian Sang hurriedly replied. The Serpent Goddess had a broad following among the Forest Trolls, but it seemed her temple had no dedicated priest to maintain it. As a result, her temple had little standing on the Altar of Deities. If all she wanted was to improve her position and gain more faith, that was something he could accept.
"Is that so? Why do I hear a hint of cunning in your words?" A hiss of breath sounded, and suspicion filled Ulathek's voice.
"Of course. You saved us from a torrential rain of fire. Surely that's enough to improve your standing on the Altar of Deities?" Tian Sang asked without hesitation.
"That's a very cunning question. Naturally, I won't contradict myself." Ulathek's voice turned cold.
"I wouldn't dare contradict you either." Hearing her icy voice, Tian Sang felt the goose bumps rising on his back all over again. This deity was not easy to deal with.
"Much less doubt you." Feeling the fear thickening around him, Tian Sang added another line. He pushed aside all his misgivings and complaints, leaving only reverence and devotion.
"I believe you won't." Ulathek's voice was cold.
"Goddess, if you're willing, I can offer you a few ideas. Perhaps you could gain even more faith." A faint sheen of sweat appeared on Tian Sang's forehead as he spoke.
"I'm listening."
"Do the other deities on the Altar of Deities know that the enemy is going to attack?" Tian Sang swallowed. He had to come up with a way to help this great deity gather faith. Otherwise, if she failed to get what she wanted, she might come after him, and then he would be in trouble.
"How would I know?" Her voice was full of irritation.
"Then can you see the other Witch Doctors, priests, and Shadow Hunters in Zul'Aman and on Battleaxe Ridge? Have they been in contact with any deities?" Tian Sang's forehead grew damp with sweat. If other Loa seized this chance to claim the faith, leaving a smaller share for her, this deity would surely be displeased.
"How am I supposed to see that?" There was a trace of annoyance in her voice.
"Then can you tell when exactly the enemy will cast their spell?" Tian Sang looked at the deity, who had no answer to any of his questions, and gave a slight grimace.
"The night after tomorrow." At last, she could answer something with certainty.
"My companions on Battleaxe Ridge—can you see whether they know disaster is coming?" Tian Sang asked.
"Obviously, they don't."
"Then could you help me with a few things?" Tian Sang thought it over briefly before asking.
"What do you want me to help with?"
"Please make all the animals on Battleaxe Ridge run into the mountains of Zul'Aman as soon as possible. They mustn't make too much noise, but they can't be too quiet either. My people on Battleaxe Ridge need to notice them, but the enemy mustn't catch on."
"What kind of request is that?" Ulathek sounded impatient.
"You can't do it?" Tian Sang asked cautiously.
"Who says I can't?" Her voice shot up an octave.
"Since you can, that's wonderful. Have the animals flee toward the mountains of Zul'Aman. That will warn my people, and then I can tell them to evacuate and avoid the enemy's flames. Once the enemy's fire comes, will you be able to extinguish it and demonstrate your might?" Tian Sang began planning the logistics.
"Can't you make things a little simpler?" Ulathek was getting impatient. Why did he have to ramble on so much?
"Do you mean you can directly resist their magic? But that would expose you to everyone's sight. If you're no longer mysterious..." Tian Sang hesitated. This Loa could probably withstand a large-scale spell on her own, and it would certainly be spectacular. But that would make her look like a nouveau riche showing off her power. How would that make people respect and worship her?
"Fine, fine. Do it however you like. I'll lend you my power and help you in person." Hearing Tian Sang's reasoning, Ulathek sounded impatient. If it meant some extra trouble, so be it.
"That would be wonderful. Can you tell me whether you have the power to control wind or Water Elementals?" Hearing the silver serpent's promise, Tian Sang let out a quiet sigh of relief. As long as she was willing to follow his plan, all he had to do was put on a good show and improving her standing on the Altar of Deities would be easy.
"I have some power over water."
"Then could you summon a heavy rain to put out the fire, and make your silhouette and scales appear among the rain clouds, so everyone can see you? It only needs to look convincing." Tian Sang asked tentatively. They had to agree on the show beforehand and make sure she could pull it off.
"I can use a little illusion magic." Ulathek's voice sounded a little frayed.
"Even better. Listen, here's what we'll do..." Hearing her strained voice, Tian Sang hurried to talk faster and get the details sorted out before she grew annoyed again and took it out on him.
"Do as I say, and show them your mystery and power. That will surely raise your standing on the Altar of Deities in one fell swoop." Tian Sang emphasized his point at the end. Ulathek grew impatient, but agreed nonetheless.