A - 12
B - 9
Anbar-Shi - 10
Enki's Lament - 6
Sekhenun - 3
Well, so the Honourblade has an official name, Anbar-Shi, but Ean would look pretty silly naming his sword and all when both he and it are powerless right now, so I'll work it in sometime later in a more suitable and deserving manner.
Regarding immortal power levels - Ean is one of the oldest. There were probably not more than a handful of other immortals who could have beaten him in a straight fight with Anbar-Shi in hand. Things may and will change further down the road as the world expands.
***
Chapter 4.2: Aphrodite
You raise your hand and volunteer for the mission - immediately the chief handmaiden points you to stand to one side. Another warrior follows you soon after. At the same time, you see Sekhenun close her eyes and take a deep breath. Next, she walks over to the chief handmaiden and whispers in her ear. There is a brief exchange of harried words, and then the chief handmaiden appears to give a sigh of resignation and nods. She turns to another of the handmaidens and more words are exchanged. Finally, four handmaidens, including Sekhenun and the chief herself, come over. Sekhenun comes to your side as the chief handmaiden leads the way off into the island.
"Your nobility is endearing. I'm glad that you feel that regaining your powers with my help are secondary to running around looking for eternal priestesses."
You glance at her. "Didn't you want me to volunteer?"
Giving a small snort of disgust, she mutters under her breath, "So you get me to babysit you because of a misunderstanding. Have you no grasp of social cues, ape?"
"Oh, so it's 'ape' now? Why couldn't you just send your thoughts into my head anyway?"
"Sometimes I wonder why I don't just break our deal and eat you right now. That'd solve most of my problems in a flash." A glint of sudden, dangerous hunger comes into her eyes, and you decide to drop the matter for now.
***
The priestess's shrine was located a few hours away from the port. The walk (you couldn't march, because of the handmaidens) along the coast was breezy and comfortable under the warm sun. Along the way, you met many pilgrims, both locals and outsiders, who were here to visit the shrine. You learnt from them that the priestess was named Aphrodite, and had apparently mysteriously come ashore at the site of the shrine fifty years ago. She had not aged a day since, and exhibited great skill in the art of making love charms and potions.
It does not take long before you reach the shrine, walking along the rocky beach. As you part the veils and enter, the fragrant scent of incense assails your nose.
"Ah, travellers." A sweet, melodious voice fills your ears. In the center of the shrine, surrounded by numerous well-built men and nicely-shaped women, kneels a young woman draped in gossamer-thin white cloth, her long dark hair flowing down a flawless back. Her skin was of a pale shade that you had never seen before in all your travels. You feel a slight, familiar tingle in your mind, akin to the murmur of your long silent voices, which subsides almost immediately.
"I am Aphrodite. Welcome to my shrine. What do you seek here?" She stands up and approaches you. Standing so close, you realize that she is the singularly most attractive woman you have ever met. You cannot understand why, you simply know that she is attractive, and your body reacts thusly. Besides you, the other hired sword was already swaying. Even the handmaidens seem entranced by the priestess.
The chief handmaiden, sweating - you're not sure whether it is due to Aphrodite, or the walk - speaks up. "Divine priestess, my lady Mehrune of Egypt seeks your blessing in matters of love. We have heard that there is no greater than yourself in these matters."
Aphrodite makes a slow, small nod. "Of course, that is what everyone asks of me. I will require a price to be paid."
"Name it and it shall be paid."
Aphrodite grabs your arm suddenly, and you feel faint. "I require only this man." She leans in and whispers to you, "You are like me, are you not? I have not met another of my kind before, so stay with me for a while. I think we will have much to share." She pauses for a while. "My voices tell me that you have lost something, and they can provide me with the means to return it to you."
The chief handmaiden claps her hands once. "You shall have this man, great priestess, in return for your charms."
You turn to look at Sekhenun. She remains silent, waiting to see what you'd do. There is a slight smile curled around her lips, as if she was saying "I told you so."
***
A. You agree to the request. Another immortal could aid you better than a Gieloth could. You already felt the voices stirring in the brief instant you met her - spending more time with Aphrodite could awaken the voices again without having to go on a dangerous trip to Crete.
B. You reject the request diplomatically. It is not wise to anger another immortal in your powerlessness. She does not seem hostile; placating her with words and reasoning your way out would be the best option you have.
C. You reject the request roughly. Aphrodite may be attempting to influence you with her powers - speaking nicely would never work. You shake her hand off you before she has the chance to do anything else and be on your guard for any further tricks.
D. HELP ME, SEKHENUN! She's here to babysit you, in her own words - so she better do her job now.