Anu-Akad stood by the helm, gazing out at the thin strip of land on the horizon. The afternoon sun glistened on the ocean’s surface, and a fine spray of water dusted over his face. Akad and his father, Anshar, had sailed many times through the Aegean, but this would be their first time landing on the mainland. Though they had been sailing for over a month, finally having the chance to meet other gods was well worth the wait. After years of training at sea, he longed for companionship and the chance to join with another. He scanned the ship, checking to see that all was in order. Most of the crew was seated on long rows of benches lining the sides of the deck; the men were rowing hard at the oars while the large square sail above them hung slack. Akad glanced at the captain’s cabin behind him. Just inside the tan, flax tent flap, a bench was visible, but Anshar was nowhere in sight. Closing his eyes, he commanded the winds to blow. A steady breeze picked up in the west, blowing at his back, and propelling the ship forward. A smile spread to his lips. Though shifting the wind was a minor task, he rarely had a chance to use his powers. In the next moment, Anshar emerged from the captain’s cabin and stood by his side at the helm.
“All is in order,” Akad said, “We should be making landfall well before sunset.”
The black-bearded Anshar scrutinized him closely before glancing up at the large inflated sail.
“Anu,” Anshar said, staring at him intently, “in this situation, there is no harm in cheating, but you need to remember your powers won’t be enough to remedy every situation. When we arrive at the Temple of Power, you will experience existence without your powers for the first time. You will have to rely solely on your physical strength, intelligence, and common sense. I have prepared you all these years, so this will be your first test.”
“Yes father,” Akad said, holding his head high and shoulders straight, trying hard to exude the confidence Anshar desired to see.
Anshar watched him closely before continuing.
“When we arrive at the temple, I will introduce you to the gods. As my heir, you will one day hold a seat on the Council of the Gods. Your conduct is of the utmost importance. Although you are young, I expect you to keep in mind the position you stand to inherit. You will one day be the supreme god of the world. I don’t want you to be arrogant, but I want you to remember you are more powerful than any of the gods you will meet. No matter how old or prominent they are, you will one day rule over them all.”
“Yes, father.” Akad nodded his ascent. Anshar always spoke of his power and the position he stood to inherit, but the reality of his future rule seemed so far removed from the world in which he lived. In his father’s eyes, he was nothing but a disappointment, a prince who failed him at every turn. Akad remained silent, waiting for the threats to come, but Anshar stood staring out into the sea and said nothing more.