The Mother of Shadows: An Alternative History

The Conflagration

Judith looked out the window of the airship. Training was to take place just outside Washington DC. Using a combination of Mechanist engineering and thaumokinetics, the vehicle was able to achieve surprising agility and speed for a craft of its size. Looking outside her window, the ground resembled a patchwork quilt of dark green, light green, and brown. Mountains, rivers, forests, and farms all passed beneath her. Escorting the airship were drone gyros, each held aloft by a rotating propeller and guided by one behind them. They were armed with rotary cannons and rockets, able to deal with most unwanted attackers in the sky. The airship itself had weapons mounted on it, allowing it to the ability to defend itself.

It was the ominous clouds on the horizon that convinced Judith something might be amiss. Lightning raked across the sky. Strange specks moved over the horizon. Judith turned her head to look back, and saw a hooded figure approaching her. Instinctively, she leveled her pistol at the intruder. “Hello?” she asked. “Who goes there?”

The figure threw off his cloak, revealing a familiar face. The tan skinned, native man grinned at her. “A spider can always approach without drawing unwanted attention,” Iktomi grinned. “I am glad to see you decided to assist our mutual friend.”

“What does it matter to you?” Judith asked, sitting down on her cot. “You just can't control yourself around women, is that it?”

“I control myself very well around women. And men. And children. And entities beyond all description of gender,” Iktomi grinned. “Though I sense you know that something is amiss at your destination.”

“One has naught to do but look out the window,” Judith pointed outside with her thumb. “I don't suppose you know anything about that, do you?”

“On the contrary, Miss,” he grinned. “I am aware of the state of things wherever eight legs touch the ground. My children are as numerous as the sands on the beach, and far more beautiful.”

“Then what is happening? Is some major event happening on in Washington DC?” Judith inquired, panic appearing on her face. “Tell me!”

Iktomi silently grinned. “The men in red coats have invaded your nation's capitol city. One amongst them is preparing to annihilate the city like they did with Dublin before the Entity War,” his face suddenly turned serious. “But, the Allies are not the sole guilty party. While this is just some escalated border war, one of Napoleon's minions hides within the Allies, trying to reconquer or annihilate those rogue Thirteen Colonies. He is the architect for planning the annihilation of Washington DC.”

“Then that attack with the flish,” a look of realization appeared on Judith's face. “It wasn't the Allies! But where did Napoleon, or his minion, acquire such the Ladder of Life to create such a strange biomorph? Surely even they must rely on some strange forces!”

“Indeed they do, Judith. Indeed they do,” Iktomi grinned. “That is why I am glad you are assisting the United States in this hour. It is a pity there are so few women as yourself.”

“Thank you, Iktomi,” Judith was unsure of how to respond to the trickster-spirit. “But I will take your advances with caution. You are a trickster, and one of unknown intentions.”

Iktomi grinned and nodded. “Insightful as always,” the Spider-God continued. “But I have a special bit of information to give you. Some that can help assist your nation's efforts to win the war. As a theurgic entity with immense interest in Mechanist technology, it would be a pity to see your young nation crushed so early in its history.”

“What, in your opinion, will help us win the war?” Judith asked skeptically. “Aside from the fact the Allies are involved too deeply with confronting Napoleon directly now.”

“In Washington DC, there are many relics and curiosities your nation has acquired over the years,” Iktomi continued. “Many of them recovered by your recent employer and patron. Ensure those artifacts are moved to safety. If those are annihilated, or worse, captured by the Allies, then your country will be doomed.”

“Aren't they planning to annihilate the city regardless?” Judith asked. “Do they even know about those relics?”

“Only vaguely,” Iktomi explained. “Currently, they are being stalled. A rather crafty First Lady is talking to the Allied commander in the White House, distracting him while servants remove valuables from the White House.”

“How about the civilian population?” Judith inquired. “Have they been evacuated yet?”

“Mostly,” Iktomi continued. “Sadly, few of them realize what is about to happen if the rogue Allied commander has his way with the city.”

“Damn!” Judith explained. “Iktomi, if you care so much about this government, why not just directly manifest to the President, to Captain Boyle, or someone more important than me? I'm certain you could use some trickery or guile to get them to perform anything you desire of them! For good or ill.”

Iktomi grinned in reply. “I am well aware of that,” he grinned. “What would make you so sure I am not already doing each and every one of those things? There are plenty of entities far more powerful than myself. Not all are as subtle or as benevolent as I am. But you are wise to beware of strangers bearing gifts.”

“I know there are many things a mere human cannot comprehend in this world,” Judith nodded. “But I am prepared to learn. If God stands before us, we kill God.”

“What makes you so sure you have not already done so?” Iktomi grinned. “Gods can, will, and should die. From the petty Olympians to the brutal Aesir to the pathetic Christ, all will fade. This land, America, is not a good land for gods. Most know this in their hearts, and cling to their false idols in hope someone cares. But if the Great Spirit or Cosmic Clockmaker does exist, It would be far behind any comprehension of a human, let alone good or evil.”

“As long as no one tries converting me,” Judith added. “Now, Iktomi, I am going to tell my employer everything that you have just told me.”

Iktomi grinned and nodded. Judith walked out of the room. She glanced back quickly, and only saw a spider climbing up the window. She looked again, and it vanished. Boyle would be interested to hear that Iktomi had appeared to her again.