Desire-Part VI-A Chance for Redemption

At Pan’s arrival the next morning, Bacchus met him at the door and danced a jig.

“Drunk already, Sire?” Pan asked.

“I am, but not in the usual way. I’m drunk with joy.”

“Did Vig get you stoned?”

“No no no, I have a plan. No, not a plan. The plan. We’re going home, Panny boy.”

“Really, Sire? How can that be?”

Bacchus sat the goat-man on the black leather sofa and recounted the conversation with Vig and the conclusions he’d drawn since.

“I’m essential to the Joyful Participation in the Sorrows of the world. It’s not my gifts that are the problem. It’s the irresponsible, undisciplined use of them be that’s the problem. So all I have to do is prove that to the Council and we’re back in the god business, baby.”

“And what about Miss Arianna. Have you thought of what will happen to her while you’re regaining your glory?”

“Ahhh, and that’s the best part. The plan includes saving her. Now really, is this not one of my finest ideas ever.”

“Seems you’ve thought of everything, Sire.”

“Oh yes, I have.”

“So how are you going to reach The Council to tell them your ideas?”

A perplexed look crossed Bacchus’ face. “Strike that I haven’t thought of everything. Oh Titan’s dung, must you rain on my parade, old friend?”

“My apologies, Sire.”

The fallen god thought and thought. After fixing himself a Bloody Mary, an idea sprang to mind.

“I’ve got it. All I’ve got to do is invoke the spirit of The Father.”

“And how will you do that? You’re no longer connected to The Cosmic Consciousness and I don’t have access at that level.”

“I know, Pan, but I can still contact them the old fashioned way.” He dropped to his knees, pulling the satyr with him.

A look of respect that hadn’t graced the satyr’s face since they’d fallen from the palace now lit up his goat-like features. “Brilliant, Sire.”

“Shhh, close your eyes, clasp your hands together and bow your head. We have to do this right if we want The Father himself to receive it. Okay, how does it go…?"

“Our Father—” Pan reminded Bacchus.

“Right, right, right. Okay here we go. Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by Thy Name….”For the first time in his age-long life, the defrocked god lifted his voice in prayer.