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Two days passed without incident. This only aggravated Asharos. He stalked the corridors of the enclave with a scowl etched into his pale face. Most of his followers had the good sense to not speak to him, particularly after he stabbed one of them through the heart for offering him some tea. After, Asharos had wiped his knife on the young acolyte\u2019s robes and went about his way, leaving the body to bleed out in the hall. No one dared move to clean up the mess until after Asharos was out of sight.<\/p>\n
Early in the afternoon on the third day after Kenian\u2019s absence was noticed, an older acolyte approached Asharos while he was in the temple praying with the rest of his maesters. He waited for Asharos to acknowledge him before speaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cI bring an urgent report from the watchtowers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a problem, sir. There\u2019s a ship entering the airspace over the plains. It\u2019s hard to get a fix on their trajectory, but it looks like they\u2019re heading this way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Asharos shouted. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want to bet Kenian is behind this?\u201d Yakima snarled, whirling to face Aenek.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not possible. He\u2019d never betray us!\u201d Aenek insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t take that risk. Power down the enclave and seal off the exits. If he has betrayed us, then that\u2019s an Agency ship. They\u2019ll be relying on visual cues and sensors. The less information we give them, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ophalia\u2019s eyes widened in alarm. \u201cWe have to get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Asharos cupped Ophalia\u2019s face in his hands. \u201cIf we run, we increase the risk of being caught. Besides, it\u2019s just one ship. What, exactly, are they hoping to accomplish?\u201d<\/p>\n
She nodded, and he let go. \u201cForgive my panic, High Priest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAtraxia forgives all who are properly contrite. If the worst should happen and we need to abandon this sanctuary, then we will. Go. Gather my flock and bring them to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The messenger bowed and left.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you planning?\u201d Ophalia asked, wincing as Yakima slapped her on the back of her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou dare question the High Priest?\u201d Yakima snarled.<\/p>\n
Asharos raised one hand. \u201cWe are going to protect our sanctuary, one way or another.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
Two days passed without incident. This only aggravated Asharos. He stalked the corridors of the enclave with a scowl etched into his pale face. Most of his followers had the good…… <\/p>\n