“I’m here tae talk to the High Priest,” Kat declared loudly as she stepped into the room. It was one of the few times Ann had seen the princess exercise her authority and presence, and she looked positively dashing doing so. “Need ye tae either bring us tae him or him tae us.”

An officious member of the clergy stood up from behind a desk and bowed. “As you will, your highness.” The man didn’t run, but strode quickly away.

“Cool, got the message,” Kat sighed. “Bets on how flustered he’s gonna be?”

“Highly likely,” Bren laughed. “You did make a scene.”

“When do I not?”

“Most of the time, actually. You avoid being noticed at all costs unless it benefits you,” Bren pointed out. “You got angry at guards for recognising you.”

“Not that they recognised me, just when they started makin’ a damn fuss about it,” Kat sighed. “I know I’m bloody important, but I should be able tae move around freely.”

“The burden of fame,” Bren ribbed her. “A shame my parents are not famous enough that I would share that burden.”

“Ye’re good friends tae the royal family, dumbass. Ye’re plenty famous. It’s just that ye hang around wit’ me all the time.”

“Very true. Ah, looks like I won that bet.”

A very red-faced man charged into the room. He was exceptionally tall for a Bultrong, coming up to above Ann’s waist. A long silver beard framed his angular face with the bushiest eyebrows Ann had the pleasure of witnessing. They almost hid his twinkling purple eyes as he looked them over.

“Thine highness! Honoured one of Illdall,” the man bowed with his massive arms spread wide. Each of those looked like they could effortlessly crush a boulder. “I, Theodore of No Name welcome thee to our temple. Pray, follow, that we might speak in private.”

This temple was much more what Ann thought when she imagined a temple. Big pillars with ornate decorations, subtle but wealthy at the same time. The halls, all white marble, were filled with priests and worshippers going about their days, talking to each other in groups. They passed multiple halls filled with pews and preachers speaking to their congregations. Each had a large statue of Illdall, resplendent in armour and helm, standing behind the speaker.

Further in, past a few gardens arranged throughout the complex, were the training halls. The contents shocked Ann with how modern some of the facilities were. Racks of weights and various machines were set in orderly rows, priests and common folk working to better their bodies. She even spotted a few Orenous priests, marked by their distinct robes, training there.

“We offer our services to all walks of faith,” Theodore boomed. “I see your eyes, Chosen of Orenous. It is common for those of thine Goddess to avail themselves of our facilities, that they might better perform in the physical aspects of their love.”

“I see…” Ann said, watching a particularly muscular woman lifting weights larger than she was. “Kat, do you see that?”

“Holy Hells,” Kat whispered. “She could crush me!”

“Goals?”

“Goals.”

Theodore moved them further until they came to a grand wooden door carved with Ildall’s larger-than-life image. The High Priest pushed it open and gestured the group through. Once the doors closed, he brought out chairs and insisted they all sit.

“I have an inkling why thine highness graces us with her presence this day,” Theodore began, pulling his chair out from behind his desk. “Dost thou seek answers?”

“Probably not in the way ye’re thinkin,” Kat said, taking the lead. “We’re kinda here tae find out what Rowena told ye, an’ get yer opinion on it. A lot o’ shite’s happened.”

“A prudent quest,” Theodore nodded. “First, might I ask that thou recount thine experience with our God? I would so love to hear the story from thine own lips.”

Kat groaned, but took the time to go over what she’d been through, sparing no details.

“Yes, yes. It is as the Priestess of Love didst recite. I must say, it is a challenge to our image of the Protector that his visage is not the mighty warrior, but those he protects. Relieved am I that he sees no grievance with the depiction we have cultivated. Now, as to thine request. She didst tell me of thine connection to our divine patron, thine experience with the foul malediction upon our world. Was the Holy One correct that it takes the form of a dragon most foul?”

“Aye. Weird thing that looked like it hadn’t eaten in a thousand years,” Kat nodded. “Still feckin’ terrifyin’. It said it wanted to be me. Tae change me. Kinda shook me when it happened.”

“Child,” Theodore said, his booming voice quieting to a gentle rumble. “Thou faced the manifestation of evil and came away unharmed, for the most part. It is a testament to thine fortitude and faith thou were capable of such a feat.”

“Hah, faith,” Kat chuckled. “Sorry, Theodore. Just have a hard time thinkin’ I’m some religious figure. Sure, I pray tae the Gods like anyone else does, but I’m not some regular here.”

“Didst thou not hear Illdall’s own words? We are a Temple of faith, true, however, our worship need not be practised within these halls. Thou hast spread the tenets of Illdall throughout the land with thine actions, most recently in that abhorrent situation of the falsely reported Seed. Do not doubt thine contributions, Child of Bravery.”

“Can ye just call me Kat or Katlyn if ye like?” Kat complained. “Ye know how much I hate titles.”

“Apologies. Deference comes naturally to mine tongue as curses to thine, Katlyn. Now, didst thou receive a boon from Illdall?”

“Nae. Well, maybe? Depends. He did say he put up barriers an’ protections tae keep the Warpin’ from feckin’ wit’ me mind. Body wasn’t somethin’ he could help with, though.”

“Considering the unfortunate souls that have fallen to the corruption, I would deem this a boon of great compassion,” Theodore nodded, hands folded within his beard. “Far be it from me to doubt the Gods actions, but I am surprised thou didst not receive a Title for thine encounter with the divine.”

“Is that one of the ways that happens?” Ann asked. She knew hers, Chosen of Orenous, was pretty self explanatory, but hadn’t heard details besides magnificent feats earning the prestigious distinction. For more chapters visit NoveI(F)ire.net

“Verily! Thou might not know, coming from the desolate north, but the Gods see fit on occasion to reward those of great merit with titles. I believe the queen, king, and General Polaris have all been bequeathed with such an honour. Direct divine dedication is a route thou might seek for such distinction. The direct reciprocation of such faith is nigh unheard of. Even a high priest such as myself wouldst be fortunate to heareth the voice of Illdall. Alas, another thing Rowena has experienced that I must guard myself from jealousy over.”

“How… much did she tell ye?” Kat asked hesitantly.

“Simply that she hast received the words of her divine lady. Is there more to yon beauty’s story?”

“Nope, absolutely not,” Kat denied flatly. “So, what’s this mean fer me an’ ye? Figure Illdall messin’ around wit’ me soul means we’ve got some talkin’ tae do.”

“Only if thou wishest, Katlyn,” Theodore chuckled. Ann watched in shock as his eyebrows actually bounced with the motion. “Truth be told, it does not change much in the ways of our faith. He has deemed thou worthy of protection and seen to it that thou are guarded from the malediction. Fascinating that He chose to directly intervene after these long millennia. Did he, perchance, leave thou with direction to pass unto mine own ears?”

“Nae. Everythin’ he said was tae me,” Kat shrugged. “Feel like he was more worried about me bein’ all freaked out. I kinda sorta kicked a table o’er an’ ran away at one point. I was freakin’ out”

“A reaction most understandable,” Theodore nodded.

“Yeah, tell me about it. I just met my version of the Warp in me,” Ann said. “They’re horrifying.”

“What form dost thine malediction take?” Theodore asked. Ann recognised the look of a scholar given information. Bren looked at her exactly like that.

“A giant wolf. Bigger than Kat’s dragon, I think. Named her Waheela.”

“Thou hast named thine corruption?”

“If that’s what surprises you, boy do I have some stories I could tell…” Ann said.

When it became clear she wasn’t going to elaborate, Theodore turned to the rest.

“It behoves me to inquire, hast thine other companions encountered similar fates?”

“Not that we know of,” Bren shook his head. “Illdall said Ann was the source. If any of us were to show signs next, it would be Rosalyn. As you can imagine, none of us are thrilled at this development.”

“Verily. A price for thine work for the divine. A burden to accompany thine quest. Rowena hast requested mine and the Temple’s cooperation in assisting thou in thine efforts to dispel the mystery of the Warp. Princess, dost thou require aid?”

“Nae, not fer now,” Kat shook her head, braids dancing as she did. “If we do need larger scale help, we can call on ye. Did Rowena tell ye about the planned event tae announce Ann’s status?”

“That she did. A most exciting event! She has requested aid from my followers in preparations. Eagerly did I accept, for our Temples should remain close. Not only this, but we have bequeathed the event with our own paladins to provide extra security. Twould reflect poorly upon us should anything go awry.”

“So we have the City Guard, Paladins of Orenous and Illdall, and the Royal Guard on duty. Kat, this is shaping up to be one of the largest events I have heard of,” Bren said with a low whistle.

“We’re gonna be dancin’ tae their rhythm, that’s fer sure,” Kat sighed.

“If it means our safety, don’t grumble, Kat,” Rosalyn chided. “Not every reaction to this announcement’s going to be positive. I’ve been talking to Illana a little, being careful about how I word stuff through letters, and she’s pretty sure we’d make enemies like this.”

“From my own experience, yeah. People aren’t going to like me claiming to be all divinely blessed and special. At best, it’s like Rowena. At worst, people are going to try to kill us.”

“Whilst I may not speak for all loyal adherents, thou hast mine oath that our devout shall not wish harm upon thee,” Theodore reassured. “Those who follow Nylir? Alas, they follow a darker Goddess. Her domain is a facet of humanity, for certain. However, She will not condemn her devout for failing to suffer your presence. Take heed.”

“So…” Ann said, forming her question carefully. “We have limited Gods we worshipped up North. How many are there actually?”

“No one rightly knows,” Theodore said. “Those we worship are but a few of the most powerful, reigning over aspects our society deems important. Thou wilst find other lands whom praise different Gods than we. The cursed Bortislav praise Monten, God of ingenuity and progress. He is worshipped in Indelholm as well, but holds less sway within our lands. Nylir is high among their ranks as well, for what should be obvious reasons. Orenous has her place in that foul nation. Do not look so shocked, child. She is Love. Love knows no borders or alignments. Even twisted, love is love. Our Temples embrace and pursue Her greater traits, however I am sure Rowena wouldst regale thee with sermons on Her darker aspects. How hast She presented herself to thee, Chosen?”

“Nice, considerate, absolutely gorgeous, maybe a little jealous, and incredibly flirty,” Ann rattled off. “She’s shown me she can get angry, though. Not sure if it was real anger or more disapproval, but she definitely isn’t all sunshine and roses.”

“Quite. If She were filled with wrath, thou wouldst know. Dear Rowena’s description of Her ire leads me to believe the Goddess was disappointed.”

“You two seem close. What’s the story with that?” Ann asked. “You keep calling her ‘dear’ and other things like that.”

“Tis a simple tale, one that would bore such interesting persons. It comes down to our position within society. Scarce few truly understand the positions we keep. Therefore, the High Priests confide in each other regularly. 

“Twas the High Priest of Orenous three generations prior who proposed such an arrangement. Renowned was he in the study of the mind and heart. Such studies led him to the idea that those of high power in society often lack those around them who understand their trials. Many of the old clergy accepted this proposal with much enthusiasm, while others took time to agree.

“Rowena and I have had the fortune of a closer relationship than even that. Many a night in our youths we would worship her Lady deep into the night,” Theodore grinned at the agape faces of his audience, then rocked back in his chair, shaking with laughter. “Come, Rowena is far from a scion of purity. Given her devotion, that should be obvious.”

“I just thought she was gay,” Ann sputtered. “The way she looks at me.”

“Ah, prefers both, does the High Priestess,” Theodore nodded. “Whomsoever her fancy alights on, she will pursue until her heart grows tired. Truth be told, we have not shared a bed in many a year. If she seeks to pursue thee, she will make it known.”

“Think she already has,” Kat grumbled. “Problem is, how do we tell ‘er no?”

“Tell her,” Theodore said simply. “Rowena will respect thine wishes once known. Be sure of thine desires before. Once told such a thing, she will take it to heart.”

“That has worked swimmingly in my experience,” Bren grumbled, shooting Lucia a look.

The Thrundol stuck her tongue out at him, then huffed.

“I don’t think we’re really ready for that,” Rosalyn said. “Just kinda in case she gets maybe a bit too obsessive or really, really wants to have Ann and it gets to be a problem, but right now she seems focused on helping and less on getting in her pants, right Kat? I think we just leave it like it is. She’s being helpful and seems really happy about it.”

“She masks her emotions poorly,” Theodore nodded. “An open book, one might say, once thou cracks her open. If her infatuations be focused upon thee, child, I ask thee this. Be gentle with her. While we may no longer share a bed, we still value our companionship to the utmost. I would not see her hurt.”

“Oh, definitely not,” Ann shook her head, raising her hands defensively. “I don’t want to hurt her any more than you do, probably. Not my thing at all.”

“Thank ye kindly,” Theodore said, dipping his head in a bow. “Now, we have discussed Katlyn’s situation, that we of the Temple seek nothing from her but her continued devotion to our God, and various information on a certain High Priestess. Dost thou have more questions for me?”

“Kat?” Bren prompted.

“Nae. I’m good. Glad we don’t ‘ave tae ‘ave the whole complicated shite Ann an’ Rowena do, Theodore. I’ll let ye know if I get a word in wit’ Illdall anytime. Letter or otherwise.’

“Twould be my pleasure to host thee and thine friends once more. Please, avail thyselves of our training facilities whenever thou wish. Illdall welcomes all.”

Theodore accompanied them to the entrance, guiding them back through the temple. Rosalyn kept Kat and Ann focused and from gawking too much at the various strong women around.

“When I have to be the focused one, something’s wrong,” Rosalyn sighed. “I want to ogle.”

“Tough,” Kat laughed, rubbing the Druid’s hair as she pouted. “Ye’ll get plenty o’ chances.”

Once outside the temple, they decided as a group to return to the palace for the day. Bren wanted to look more into the map he’d been given, Lucia would just hang out, Rosalyn had her studies, and Kat needed to attend a meeting with Junia.

Ann took the time to head back to their room. Pushing open the heavy oak door, she found a letter placed on the table, royal seal still in place. Picking it up, she turned it over to see her name. Huh, this is oddly official. She slit the seal with a claw and read the contents.

Dear Annita,

Please join me tomorrow for the morning. Junia has requested that, with her overloaded schedule, I fill in when bringing you up to date on various topics you may encounter during discussions at the upcoming ball. She sends her regards and apologies that she could not do this herself.

Personally, I look forward to having some time to speak with you individually. My own time has been far too occupied preparing for your debut, holding court, and being a father. I will doubtless apologise for this again, but for now, my apologies.

I will have a servant fetch you when it is time.

Kremdol Farragher,

King of Korvas

Ann read the letter twice just to make sure she’d gotten that all correct. “That end is so formal. The whole thing is. Ugh, this’ll be good to try to fit in, but I feel like I’m back in school.”

She shucked her kilt and shirt, flopped onto the couch and grabbed a ream of papers that Ilana had sent. “Did you expect me to get into politics, Orenous?” she asked the ceiling. “Cause wow, I feel like I’m starting.”

A feeling passed, subtle and gentle as the caress of a lover. Ann thought about it and got the distinct feeling that Orenous had expected this.

“Well, I did help run student council at one point. How much worse could all of this be? No, no, do not answer that!”

She swore she could hear Orenous giggling.