{"id":280,"date":"2024-01-13T20:35:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T20:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/?p=280"},"modified":"2024-01-13T20:35:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-13T20:35:51","slug":"chapter-2-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/2024\/01\/13\/chapter-2-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oldwatch<\/span>
\n<\/span>Date Unknown<\/span><\/p>\n

We sing now of the Soul Eater,<\/span><\/p>\n

Elder goddess, most holy Mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

Whose realm in Urtis’s plains\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is wrapped forever in the depths of night.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh! Mother, bend Your ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eternal ruler, terrible and strong.<\/span><\/p>\n

We revel in Your divine bliss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accept these sacred words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With these rites, we rejoice.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are venerated in Your crimson robes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guide us from Your throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

May we prove worthy to stand at Your side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2014 Hymn to Tehaksha<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached his destination two and a half blissfully uneventful days later. It had been a long time since he\u2019d been to Oldwatch, yet the town appeared to be almost exactly the same as it had been nearly a century ago. The faces around him were different, but the streets and buildings were largely untouched by the passage of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure if that\u2019s comforting or worrying. On the other hand, it should make navigating an easy task.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He dismounted and walked Xantoxu down the main street, as was the law, taking a right turn at the first major intersection. If his memory served him right, the hostel he’d stayed at the last time was in that direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the hanging signs in front of the inns and taverns had been replaced since his last visit. One inn that he could\u2019ve sworn was the <\/span>Rancid Spoon<\/span><\/i> had a new sign over its door proclaiming it to be the <\/span>Sticky Cauldron<\/span><\/i>. Across the street from it was a tavern. He could have sworn that it had been a tailor’s shop. In any case, the tavern’s name, the <\/span>Dripping Bucket<\/span><\/i>, didn’t sound like it would be a pleasant place to go. It did, however, make him glad that Scholars were prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. He shook his head and continued on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A short time later, he found the unassuming wood fronted building he was searching for. The fading sign in the window confirmed it to be the <\/span>Restless Winds<\/span><\/i>, a strange name for a hostel. Likely that was what had drawn Linndan to it in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

A prepubescent child met him out front. They held out their hand to take Xantoxu\u2019s reins. Linndan smiled and handed over the reins and a small coin for their trouble before taking the saddlebags he needed and going inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bell over the door rang as he entered. Strategic oil lamps lit the main room, the aroma of fresh bread wafting out from the kitchen. The wall behind the bar had a large wooden calendar on display. Such things were common, given how fervent Melphorians were about observing any and all religious holidays. At a casual glance, he noted that the year was almost over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Funny. The weather feels unseasonably warm for winter. There should be several feet of snow on the ground and yet it looks like mid-spring out there.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He studied it, noting that most of the blocks identifying the individual days were turned. Very few were left facing outward. Looking at the date, he felt a chill run down his spine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chankokulen, Tehaksha\u2019mon, 1186 AF. Did the gods deliberately choose Tehaksha’s week to summon me home, or is it a coincidence?<\/span><\/i> Linndan shook his head. <\/span>No. I don’t believe in coincidences. The gods I’ve dealt with have always been precise in Their actions. <\/span><\/i>He thought about it as he picked up the small bell on the counter and rang it. <\/span>I wonder if They hope I’ll have better luck finding Her during Her week. But, if that’s the case, why not bring me back on Jalair instead of waiting until the week is halfway over?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

A well-dressed lunyari man came out from the room behind the counter, saving Linndan from his thoughts. The swirls on his dusky skin were white, an uncommon enough colour that Linndan could count each instance on one hand and still have fingers to spare. The man’s general good health and short trimmed blond hair told him the markings were his natural colour rather than markings that had faded due to advanced age or illness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well! We don\u2019t get many Scholars in these parts,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s surprising given how close both the Academy and the Institute are,\u201d Linndan replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBah. There\u2019s little of interest here to your kind. Faloress is much more to their taste.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf they feel the need to make a longer journey, that’s on them and their lack of imagination. There\u2019s something of interest everywhere you go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn interesting philosophy for such a young man.\u201d He held up his left hand and spread his three fingers out while tucking his thumb into his palm. \u201cDyvore of House Eschalo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung physically, but an old soul, as my mother used to say.\u201d Linndan mimicked the gesture. \u201cLinndan of House Leshar’ien.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what can we do for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in need of a room for a night or two. This hostel came highly recommended to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMight I ask by whom? We haven\u2019t had any Scholars here in, oh, longer than I can recall. Certainly since before I took over from its previous owner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t recall his name offhand,\u201d Linndan said. \u201cI came across a reference to it in a travel log during my studies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lucky we\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOldwatch hasn\u2019t changed in nearly a century, at least from the looks of your architecture. The odds were good that this establishment was still here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dyvore shrugged. \u201cThe building might still have been standing, but businesses come and go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan, remembering the recently seen <\/span>Dripping Bucket<\/span><\/i>, knew that was true. \u201cHas that happened to many of them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA few. More than I\u2019d like, but times are hard and some of the local Houses don\u2019t have the influence they used to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. What\u2019s the going rate for a night\u2019s stay, a meal, and lodgings for my mount?\u201d Dyvore quoted a price. Linndan nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s higher than what was in the travel log, but that <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> almost a hundred years ago. Things have changed since then.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTimes are hard,\u201d Dyvore said with a half shrug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTimes are always hard.\u201d He fished some coins out of his voluminous sleeves. \u201cIt\u2019s been some time since I\u2019ve needed to pay for lodgings. Is the custom still half in advance, half on departure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer to take full payment up front, but you Scholars have a reputation for being trustworthy. This arrangement is acceptable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan handed over the coins. \u201cBy the way, is it always so warm here this time of year?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dyvore frowned and rubbed the back of his head. \u201cYou\u2019re not from around these parts, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am, but it\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve been in this part of Miltan. I\u2019ve spent the last few winters down in Athros.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Winter\u2019s been coming later and later, but it\u2019s never been this late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has that been happening?\u201d Linndan asked, dreading the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHard to say for sure. The first I noticed was three, maybe four years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, that\u2019s a small comfort at least, <\/span><\/i>he thought as Dyvore showed him to his room. It was small but functional. After he left, Linndan set the saddlebags down and took Ellias out, setting him down on the room\u2019s single table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was all that about the weather?\u201d Ellias asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you recall the difficulty I have with Liulge\u2019s calendar?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHard to forget. What kind of people don\u2019t use months?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe divide our year into thirty-two weeks that are twelve days long. Each week is named after one of the gods. This one, Tehaksha\u2019mon, is the official beginning of winter, although some places will have snow as early as Tehvir\u2019mon or Kalhalla\u2019mon. For it to be his warm in western Miltan is unheard of.\u201d Linndan brushed the curtain aside and peered out. \u201cAt least it\u2019ll make travel a lot easier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease tell me you find it incredibly ironic that you were brought back here to look for Tehaksha during Her week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me, it hadn\u2019t escaped my attention.\u201d A thought occurred to him. \u201cI wonder if the gods are messing with the weather to make it easier for me to look for Her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan They do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan shrugged. \u201cNo idea. At any rate, it\u2019s not that important. I\u2019ll take anything if it means not having to trudge through snow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI almost miss the snow,\u201d Ellias said, his tone wistful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never cared for it. Fortunately, there are plenty of worlds that are warm when Melphor isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you\u2019re here, what\u2019s the plan?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s still daylight left, so I may as well get started. Do you want to stay here or tag along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, in the name of all the Saints, would I want to \u2018tag along\u2019?\u201d Ellias grumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who offered to be a spy. I\u2019m going to let Xantoxu rest here for a bit while I walk down to the south end where most of the temples are. I didn\u2019t pay that much attention last time, but that\u2019s the likeliest place for Tehaksha to have Hers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that temple is going to be full of skulls?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot necessarily. Skulls and skull imagery will be all over it because of who it\u2019s dedicated to. How much there is really depends on how important this holy site is. Her holy site in Athros is Her most important one and, therefore, will have far more than anything we\u2019ll see here in Miltan. You\u2019d still blend in, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not comforting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t meant to be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go alone and check the place out first? If you need me, come back and get me. Otherwise, I\u2019d prefer to stay put, thank you very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fair, I suppose, but that means I\u2019ll have to put you back in the saddlebag just in case someone comes in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellias sighed. \u201cVery well. It\u2019s boring, but at least it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan returned the skull to its hiding place and left the hostel.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The day was getting late. The people of Oldwatch filled the streets as they headed home from work. He spotted a few white cloaked mavens from the Order of the Rose as he made his way through the crowds. People gave them a wide berth, removing their hats as they passed. It seemed to Linndan that the gesture was more from familiarity than fear. One of the mavens picked up a small child that ran towards her. Though he couldn’t hear her words, she spoke amiably with the child’s mother, confirming his guess. They headed in a different direction from the one Linndan took, so he paid them no further mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

The temples varied in design and size. Statues beside the doorway identified which god or goddess it was dedicated to. The largest one proudly displayed an alabaster statue of Shan-Illu the Shining One, the chief goddess of the Soulforge Alliance. Out of respect, he bowed his head for a few seconds before walking past Her temple. A smaller one to its left displayed a statue of Her consort, Tesha Firestarter.\u00a0His statue was colourfully painted. He paused beside it, trying not to smile. The artist had used a shade of red more in line with the spicy peppers that grew wild in the mountains rather than anything close to his actual colour. The depiction was, otherwise, as accurate as human hands could make it.<\/span><\/p>\n

All good Melphorian children knew the names and faces of the gods, whether or not they went to school. Linndan knew them better than most. He often stated\u00a0his Scholarly studies as the reason, but it went deeper than that. Few people knew the truth and fewer still were counted among the living.<\/span><\/p>\n

He found Tehaksha\u2019s statue in front of a grey stone building tucked away at the end of the street. He stood at the base of the steps for a moment, taking in the dark granite figure. He had to admire the artistry that had gone into its creation. Every scale of her long, serpentine tail was visible even at the distance he was standing. Her long hair draped around a very feminine torso. The mask worn by every naga he\u2019d ever met\u2014the gods were no exception to that rule\u2014was displayed proudly on her face. Its every detail carved by someone who both knew what they were doing and was more than likely a devotee of the Soul Eater. Why else would the artist have carved so many skulls around the base of the statue in addition to the one She held in Her hand?<\/span><\/p>\n

He climbed the steps to get a closer look and almost gagged. The skull in her hand wasn\u2019t part of the statue at all, but real bone. He’d spent enough time around Ellias to know the difference. What he didn’t know was who that person had been. The shape looked human. It hadn’t aged much, so whoever it had been was among the recently deceased.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An enemy of Hers, perhaps? Or a favourite among Her devotees?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He found he didn’t want to know the answer one way or the other. He turned his head and entered the temple before he defiled the steps with what was left of his lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The air inside the temple was a little cooler than it was outside. Red candles in wrought iron lanterns lit the small space. The stone walls were carved to look like natural rock formations. Nooks in the stone contained more skulls and dried flowers. Unlike the skull outside, these were a mixture of old and new. Some looked to have been there since the founding of Oldwatch. He couldn\u2019t identify the species of the flowers, as they were too desiccated and botany wasn\u2019t a field he was familiar with.<\/span><\/p>\n

A single person occupied the temple. She knelt in front of the altar at the far end. It was draped in a shimmering red cloth and decorated with an assortment of skulls, both recent and ancient. One of them appeared to be a jyelyar and he would have sworn on his mother\u2019s grave that there was a kairyll felnas among the older skulls, though he supposed it could also have been a wildcat’s skull.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman stood and turned at his approach. The first thing he noticed about her was the elaborate scar under her right eye. It was Tehaksha\u2019s emblem and marked this woman as a high-ranked devotee. Linndan knew from his research that such marks had to be carved into the flesh over and over to prevent them from healing properly and to achieve the depth they required. It was a long and painful process, and only someone with true devotion would consider putting themselves through it, let alone go through with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next thing that caught his eye was the ring of bones around her neck. From their colour and size, he figured they were old finger bones. They stood out in stark contrast to the black collar they were attached to. There were small silver beads set into the base of the bones. They were far from the only bones in her ensemble, although he couldn’t tell from where he was standing if the tiny skull on her bodice was real or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI greet you in the name of our most holy Mother,\u201d the woman said. \u201cWhat brings you before Her this day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimple curiosity,\u201d Linndan replied, averting his gaze as a sign of respect. \u201cThis temple was referenced in a book I read, but it was sorely lacking in any of the details. After further research, it seemed that no Scholar had done a proper study on Tehaksha or Her followers in several centuries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems like a massive oversight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was my thought as well. This particular temple isn\u2019t her primary one, but it\u2019s the closest one to the Academy, so it seemed as good a place to start my research as any.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDevotees of Hebron are, as ever, a joy to speak to, for they don\u2019t judge our most holy Mother. You are welcome here, Scholar. May you find love and acceptance in the embrace of Tehaksha.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your kind words. Might I ask your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am Beryna, High Priestess of this temple. How may I address you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am Linndan of House Leshar\u2019ien.\u201d He paused. \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell me your House.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy House is of no importance. Only my devotion to our Mother matters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI find it interesting that you call Her that. Her official designation is the Soul Eater. There\u2019s a kairyll goddess who has the appellation of Mother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna sniffed. \u201cTehaksha is <\/span>our<\/span><\/i> Mother, not <\/span>the<\/span><\/i> Mother. Besides, the kairyll were exterminated over a thousand years ago. Such was the sorrow of their gods that they spread themselves on the winds, ending their existence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you believe that Kiten, Avren, Donn, and the others are dead?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGods cannot truly die,\u201d she scoffed. \u201cThey\u2019ve taken on a new manner of existence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. So, then, do you believe that Tenyuu has done the same? It\u2019s the common belief that the griffins have gone extinct and He was their god.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGriffins are mindless beasts. There is much debate on that topic, but personally I believe He still lives as He once did, though in a diminished capacity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan nodded, smiling. He knew for a fact that Tenyuu was still around, though he couldn’t speak to any diminishing in His power or influence. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve had a proper debate with someone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you Scholars not talk to each other?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but debates among us often carry on for weeks as more research comes to light. It can get\u2026 draining.\u201d He coughed. \u201cGetting back on topic, why do you call Her your Mother? She\u2019s never struck me as being the mothering type.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Because she\u2019s the goddess of the underworld? All things must die. It\u2019s an inevitable truth. To those who aren\u2019t afraid to seek out Her truth, She cradles them in Her arms and whispers the secrets of the world to them. When we die, our skulls are given a place of honour in Her temples, our bodies put in the ground to nurture the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan grimaced. \u201cHow do you condone having that done to your body? It flies in the face of everything we believe about death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything <\/span>humans<\/span><\/i> believe, perhaps, but not everyone shares it,\u201d Beryna countered. \u201cWe humans are such limited creatures. Why should it matter to a soul if our body is missing a few parts? No one goes through life completely intact. Our souls, however, remain pure and whole regardless of the damage done to our shells. It\u2019s our belief that the skulls of the faithful are worthy of remaining in Her temples while their blessed souls have a special place at Her side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it this belief isn\u2019t widely accepted outside of Her followers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many reasons why She doesn\u2019t enjoy the popularity She rightfully deserves,\u201d Beryna said with a touch of bitterness. \u201cWhy should Shan-Illu have all the glory when She hardly does anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll of the gods have a place and a purpose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll Shan-Illu has done is birth that abomination of an Empress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflexively, Linndan looked around him, but the temple was empty. \u201cYou\u2019re awfully close to blasphemy,\u201d he cautioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I care? She can\u2019t see or hear me inside these walls. Such is the way of the gods. Their temples are sacrosanct. Only Tehaksha may listen in here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes She do so often?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t felt our Mother\u2019s presence in a long time,\u201d Beryna admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever?\u201d Linndan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna narrowed her eyes. \u201cWhat, exactly, are you asking?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are some strange rumours I\u2019ve come across while researching Tehaksha and Her followers. Some say She hasn\u2019t visited any of Her faithful in centuries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous. We receive Her guidance and feel Her presence in Her temples at all times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t pretend to understand how your order works,\u201d he said, spreading his hands in a placating manner. \u201cAll I know is what I\u2019ve heard. I\u2019m simply following the trail of evidence. I\u2019d be happier knowing I\u2019m wrong, that your most holy Mother hasn\u2019t disappeared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most preposterous thing I\u2019ve ever heard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you haven\u2019t heard anything about Her being missing?\u201d Linndan pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. As one of Her most high priestesses, I would know if something was wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan bowed. \u201cThat\u2019s all the assurance I need. The hour is drawing late and I\u2019ve had a long journey. Would it be alright if I came back tomorrow to speak with you some more?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna frowned. \u201cI suppose that would be acceptable, although I suggest you choose your words more wisely on your next visit. I will not be so forgiving should you make such insinuations again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you, High Priestess, it won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you will be most welcome to speak with any one of the acolytes who serve here. I can\u2019t guarantee that I will be present, as I have a number of duties to attend to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI expect nothing less of someone in your position.\u201d Linndan bowed again and left the temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

The streets were less crowded now that the sun was almost down. The magically fuelled street lights were lit, shining with an unwavering light. He made his way back to the hostel.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a different man at the front desk\u2014a human this time. He looked up and nodded as Linndan entered. The same prepubescent child from before came out from the kitchen and presented him with a small dinner tray. He nodded and took it back to his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The meal was nothing special. Two slices of roast, boiled potatoes, a crusty bun, a bowl of thin soup, and a mug of watered down ale. He set the ale aside\u00a0with a sigh and ate the meal. Then he let Ellias out of the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d he asked. \u201cDid you learn anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a straightforward answer,\u201d Linndan replied. He filled Ellias in on the details of his conversation with Beryna.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. On the one hand, if anyone were to know if Tehaksha was missing, it would be the higher-ups in Her priesthood. On the other, something about this Beryna is\u2026 off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a different perspective on this than I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know it won\u2019t mean much to you, but it bothered me that she wouldn\u2019t tell me what House she comes from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s important?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo a Melphorian, our House is everything. It\u2019s not just what family we come from, but our pride. To not have a House is to be alone in the world. This isn\u2019t universally true, but the bulk of the Houseless are irredeemable criminals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould she have just been trying to hide her identity from you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven the lowest, most out of favour House is something to be proud of. The reason she gave me is, technically, a valid one, but it doesn\u2019t sit well with me. We\u2019re taught from childhood to give our name and House when introducing ourselves. She didn\u2019t even start to list a House out of reflex as one would expect from someone who\u2019d surrendered her House in that manner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 you suspect she\u2019s one of these Houseless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying it\u2019s a possibility, but it’s not something you want to accuse someone of without good reason. If I do and I\u2019m wrong, there are severe consequences if she chooses to pursue them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat bothers me is that she claims to feel Tehaksha\u2019s presence and influence in the Temples, but says she\u2019s never personally felt Her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat <\/span>does<\/span><\/i> seem contradictory,\u201d Linndan mused. \u201cAlthough, there\u2019s a difference between feeling the presence of a god in Their holy site and feeling it in a one-on-one encounter. I\u2019ve done both often enough to know the difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh, I suppose. So, what are you going to do next?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to sleep on it and figure out my next move in the morning,\u201d Linndan said, yawning. \u201cIt\u2019s likely that I\u2019ll go back to the temple and talk to Beryna if she\u2019s there. If she\u2019s not, I\u2019ll see if anyone else will talk to me. If it’s alright with you, I’ll take you up on your offer to listen in on the temple. Assuming, that is, I can find a place to put you without anyone noticing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I shouldn’t have offered,\u201d Ellias grumbled as Linndan changed into his sleeping clothes and crawled into bed. \u201cYou know, sleep is something I don\u2019t miss about being alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Ellias.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The streets were just as crowded as they\u2019d been the night before as he made his way back to the temple, taking care to keep his satchel out of danger. It made for an awkward walk, but it wouldn’t do to cause further damage to Ellias, who was inside the satchel. He didn\u2019t pause in front of Shan-Illu\u2019s statue this time, heading straight to Tehaksha\u2019s and going in. Inside, it was a hive of activity. Several priests crowded around the altar as Beryna read the contents of a letter to them. He couldn\u2019t hear what she said, but whatever it was excited the priests.\u00a0While they were occupied, he looked for a good spot to put Ellias. He found an alcove along the far wall that was already occupied, but it was deep enough to slide the original skull back into its shadowy depths and set Ellias down, facing outward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He jumped at the sudden voice, spinning around to face an unfamiliar man garbed in priest robes. \u201cAh, good morning,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is indeed a good morning,\u201d the priest said in return. \u201cIs there something I can help you with?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan blinked. \u201cAh, no, nothing. I thought to return and continue my conversation with the High Priestess from yesterday, but she looked busy. It seemed a good opportunity to study the temple itself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem fascinated by that particular skull.\u201d The priest’s eyes narrowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan swallowed. \u201cIn truth, they’re all fascinating. I can’t help but wonder who they were and how they ended up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The priest craned his neck to look behind Linndan and frowned. \u201cSome of these alcoves need to have their plates refreshed, but if memory serves, that skull belonged to Tatheo, a former priest of the Order. He lost his life to illness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan turned and squinted at the metal plate beneath the alcove. \u201cI’ll take your word for it. I spend my time reading ancient books with terrible writing and even I can’t make that out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The priest shrugged. \u201cLearning the names of the honoured dead is one of our sacred duties. I wouldn’t expect a mere Scholar to understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan’s teeth bit down hard to keep from saying something he shouldn’t. Instead, he nodded. \u201cAh, it looks as though the High Priestess is free. If you’ll excuse me.\u201d He stepped around the priest and headed straight for Beryna.<\/span><\/p>\n

The High Priestess stood in front of the altar, her face turned up to the ceiling, her hands spread out to her sides. Her eyes were closed, a beatific smile on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou look happy,\u201d he observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

She lowered her head and turned to look at him. \u201cThis is the most glorious of days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that have anything to do with the letter you were reading earlier?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cIt would seem that a <\/span>sokekne<\/span><\/i> has been captured near Paraten.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan felt a cold pit in his gut. \u201cI didn\u2019t think anyone was foolish enough to go near the Forbidden Lands anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not privy to her circumstances, but you know the law as well as I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, he did. This wasn’t the first <\/span>sokekne<\/span><\/i> he’d heard of in his long life, but it had been a long time since then. The treatment of these unfortunate people was one of the reasons he stayed away from Melphor. He swallowed and made himself say, \u201cHas her execution date been set?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna\u2019s smile deepened. \u201cOh, yes. Our most holy Mother will feast on her soul on Her day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s been executed on Tehaksha\u2019s Day in years.\u201d At least, he hoped that was still the case. It had been so long since the last time he\u2019d been home. Fortunately, Beryna\u2019s reaction led him to believe it was still true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you think of a more fitting punishment for such a crime?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you even know she committed any crime?\u201d Linndan asked. \u201cFor all you know, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was too near to the Forbidden Lands and has invited its corruption into her soul.\u201d Beryna narrowed her eyes. \u201cEveryone knows this to be true. Better to show mercy and end her existence now than to allow her to spread this corruption to the rest of Melphor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what this girl has to do with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna straightened up, beaming. \u201cI am the highest ranking devotee of Tehaksha anywhere near Paraten. As such, I\u2019ve been called on to witness the execution and ensure that her soul is delivered to my most holy Mother. I and three of my highest ranked priests will be travelling to Paraten once our daily duties have been discharged and arrangements are made for our absence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201dIs this something you\u2019re called on to do often?\u201d Linndan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna shook her head. \u201cWhile members of our order are required to witness all executions, those of my position are rarely required. I find it strange you don\u2019t know this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe nuances of the justice system aren\u2019t something I\u2019ve studied,\u201d he explained. \u201cCome to think of it, I\u2019ve never been to an execution.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d Beryna sounded surprised.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI read of enough horrific things over the course of my studies that to bear witness to something so gruesome\u2026\u201d He shook his head. \u201cForgive me if that sounds insulting to your order.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot all men have the stomach for such things,\u201d she said in a soothing tone. \u201cThis is why men don\u2019t participate in the bloodier affairs of our world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps that is so,\u201d he agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beryna tilted her head to one side. \u201cWould you care to accompany us to Paraten?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy ever would I want to do that?\u201d he asked, his stomach lurching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a unique opportunity for your studies of our order. You could see not only how an execution is carried out, but how one deals with a <\/span>sokekne<\/span><\/i> at the same time. It would provide you with some valuable insight. You may also find the library there to be of use to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLibraries are always of use. What’s so special about that one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were concerned about Tehaksha\u2019s whereabouts. There are records there that may help shed some light on the matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t thought to look there,\u201d he muttered. \u201cThere are no sites dedicated to Her there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot unless you count the Shrine of All Gods,\u201d Beryna said. \u201cIt\u2019s far too small of a town to have temples dedicated to any one god, so that is their way of providing worship for its people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan paused, considering. \u201cWhen do you need to leave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to arrive in Paraten the day before the executions to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. We\u2019ll be travelling by cart, so we\u2019ll have to leave by tomorrow afternoon at the latest to get there on time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen it seems I have some time to prepare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t promise we\u2019ll have room for you in the cart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan shrugged. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t expect you to. I have a mount of my own, regardless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow fortunate for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes my life easier, travelling from place to place as I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do little travelling these days,\u201d Beryna said. \u201cI have all I need right here. Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I have many things to prepare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Linndan bowed, stepping away as she turned back to the altar. He left the temple, forcing himself not to look at the alcove where he’d put Ellias.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Oldwatch
\nDate Unknown<\/p>\n

We sing now of the Soul Eater,<\/p>\n

Elder goddess, most holy Mother,<\/p>\n

Whose realm in Urtis’s plains\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is wrapped forever in the depths of night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh! Mother, bend Your ear.<\/p>\n

Eternal ruler, terrible and strong.<\/p>\n

We revel in Your…… <\/p>\n

Read More<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-whisper-for-eternity"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=280"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":281,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280\/revisions\/281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azuredragonpress.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}