Wow, your writing is getting so good!! This tale took me away to the temple of the Underworld. We understand Dai-lee. Who has not struggled for a goal that seemed out of reach. It might be something completely different, but we all aspire, we all have ambitions that are frustrated by one thing or another. What limits will we go to in order to achieve our ambition.
I expected Dai-lee to pay dearly for his transgression, but you were merciful. You gave the god a sense of humor. That was fun for me as a reader.
Good job!