Sally sat there for a moment, blinking. Then, she released a deep sigh and took a last sip from her canteen. She twisted the cap back on and put the canteen in her bag. Standing up, she slung the bag over her shoulder and left, giving a nod to Yaling on the way out.

  My brother’s turned strange, she thought, walking down main street. He was much different from the loud, troublemaking and constantly angry teen she remembered.

  Then again, he did choose to become a mage. Most likely, he’d always been strange and she just didn’t know it.

  10. Ceremonies – August 1, Year 216

  Sally walked up the incline of the main street toward the fortress of Lovesse, as directed by Caldwell. The fort itself was visible from most everywhere since it was atop the mountain Lovesse made its home, but now she could get a clearer picture.

  Rather than a domineering structure overlooking the city, as the initial view from below had led her to believe, it now looked like a mix between a near-ruin and a patchwork palace. The walls surrounding the fort had been left to slowly deteriorate, likely permitted to after the outer walls of the city walls were built, while the towers and bastions of the fort had crumbled to half their initial size.

  Outside of the fortifications however, the building itself had expanded in a stitched-together, ill-fitting manner, with a mix of wooden, stone and brick annexes getting build outward from the fortress-building over time. It was, she believed, much too large to serve as an administrative center for a city that supposedly housed around five or six hundred people, but what did she know? Maybe they had purposes outside of government use, like a common-use storage or a hospital.

  Either way, it didn’t matter. Her goal wasn’t the fortress anyhow.

  In front of the fortress was a half-circle to serve as the city’s central plaza. At the rightmost edge of this half-circle, all but hugging the outer walls of the fortress, was her destination: the Dekantist shrine.

  What she’d expected of the shrine was more or less what she got. It was reminiscent of the one in Cardinar – the older shrine at the edge of the pier that is, not the larger, newer temple. It was a simple, square stone gate atop a small, artificial mound with an altar located at its center. A bowl, undoubtedly filled with water, was located atop said alter in the center, while surrounding it she could spot a variety of offerings: coins, candles, burning sticks, food and smaller bowls of water.

  It made sense that the main religious building of the Dekantists in Lovesse was a small one. This far from the lake, from the beating heart of Anteeri culture and power, there likely wouldn’t be many believers. The shrine’s sole purpose was to either accommodate the few that were, or to accommodate traveling Dekentists. Pilgrims for example, like Lucy.

  It was thus a natural assumption for Sally to make: fewer believers, smaller shrine. And the impression of the shrine briefly vindicated her assumption.

  What was at odds with that impression was the large amount of people crowding the diminutive shrine. From the unexpected sight naturally rose a single question: What is Lucy doing?

  Sally walked closer, following the edge of the crowd until reaching the left corner, and peaked from the angle towards what was going on.

  Five youths – two boys, three girls – in their early teens were lined up, kneeling on ornate cushions in front of the shrine at the bottom of the mound. Their hands were cupped and their heads bowed, ready to receive their blessing. Behind each of them stood two other people, likely their parents or other family members.

  Lucy was walking down the stairs leading up to the altar, light blue robes shimmering oddly in the midday sun – less like a reflection of its light and more like the color was flowing alongside its radiance. In her right hand, Lucy held a large wooden ladle, while her left was making a minimum effort of catching the droplets that fell, letting most of it drip on the ground. Sally thought it looked on purpose, as she felt the falling droplets give a strangely benevolent character to the ceremony.

  As Lucy reached the bottom, she started with the leftmost teen. Though the words were soft-spoken and clearly directed to only be heard by the person in front of her, the silent crowd and solemn atmosphere gave the words an odd clarity. Even Sally could hear them with ease despite standing furthest away.

  “Drink, to witness the first lesson of the Prophet. Live, to fulfill all others.” Lucy spoke, a warm and gentle smile on her lips.

  Lucy tilted the ladle, letting the water spill over the edge and slide down its rounded base and gather in the girl’s cupped hands. As soon as Lucy was done, the teen put her hands to her lips and poured the water into her mouths. Within the second, the girl began to sway before collapsing backwards. Her family members caught her, having clearly expected it.

  Did Lucy carry lake water all the way here? Sally thought.

  Lucy moved to the one beside her, then the next and so forth until reaching the end of the line. Afterwards, she moved back and to the center, climbing a few of the stairs before turning and addressing the crowd.

  “‘Protect these people from harm, as I protect you. Teach these people about life, as the water taught you. Grant these people your love, as the divine loves you.’ These are the words our Prophet spoke to his first apostles as he ordained their first disciples. They fulfilled this duty, and I hope these words inspire you to fulfill yours.” Lucy said solemnly, then smiled at the crowd. “Now, to begin this path in the best way possible, I say: celebrate and have fun!” Lucy turned around and walked up the stairs.

  The people cheered and congratulated the now-awake teens, then moved away to wherever they would continue their celebration.

  Sally waited at the bottom of the stairs. Undoubtedly, Lucy had spotted her and would come down as soon as she could.

  When she did, Sally simply said: “Nice speech.”

  Lucy shrugged, storing the cushions in small cabinets at the foot of the shrine, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “People always expect the same speech, so I could do it with my eyes closed. Maybe even with my mouth closed? A fun thing to try next.”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Sally smiled at the image. “All done with your priestly duties, then?”

  “Eh, more or less. Could always do more, but this was the only thing that really needed doing,” Lucy replied.

  Sally gave a shrug. “Was surprised that anything needed doing, to be honest.”

  “How so?” Lucy asked.

  “Well, the Dekantists are an Anteeri thing, right? Didn’t expect you to make converts,” Sally only half-joked the latter part.

  Lucy snorted. “Did you think that that was what I was doing? No, most Loveese are Dekantists, no need to proselytize here. I was just here to guide a few teens through their First Sip.”

  “But how? I mean, why?” Sally asked. “I get that the Anteeri are all Dekantists, the Ante created their cities, gave them water, taught them everything. But why would the people of Lovesse care? Seems like they got nothing to do with anything.”

  Lucy looked baffled for a moment, trying to follow her thought process, before shaking it off. “Sally, there is a seventy miles long lake in the Circuits filled with water that grants visions, skills and sometimes blessings akin to miracles. Forgot the Prophet’s words and deeds, is that alone not enough evidence for the Dekantist being right about some things, if not everything?”

  Sally stood still for a second, before giving a simple “ah” in embarrassment.

  Lucy smiled and shook her head. “You know, I knew the Villa folks were isolated, but you really didn’t know how widespread the Dekantists are? We’re the largest religion in the whole Circuits!” Lucy laughed. “And you Wardens are the most connected of the lot! Surely, surely you must’ve known something of the goings-on beyond the lake?”

  Sally only got more embarrassed. “Well, religion is just not that big a thing in the Villas. Besides, the cities beyond the Anteeri and Gadeon just aren’t that important, and Gadeon certainly is not a Dekantist city.”

  Lucy’s laughter stopped, but the smile remained. “Fair enough. Still, what a stubborn lot y’all are.” That was one thing Sally couldn’t refute.

  “But anyway, are we leaving already? How’d the meeting with your brother go?” Lucy asked.

  “Oh, it went fine mostly, but he said he wants to meet you.”

  Lucy raised her eyebrows in surprise, before comprehension replaced it. “Ah, he figured something about the ritual, didn’t he.” Lucy spoke matter-of-factly.

  This time, Sally raised her eyebrows. “Yeah, how’d you know?” She asked, to which Lucy gave a small, mischievous smile.

  “Now, don’t go telling other priests this, but mages and us? We practically deal in the same thing, through different means.”

  Sally recalled Cal saying something similar. What was it he said? “Sympathetic ties or something, right?”

  Lucy tilted her head from left to right in consideration. “Their word for it, I suppose, but what we both really study is the divine.”

  “The divine? I don’t see the Guild preaching about gods and angels.”

  “No, not that kind of divine. I’m talking about-” Lucy waggled her hand all mystery-like, before whispering “-the Binding Presence.”

  Sally rolled her eyes. “Should I even ask?”

  Lucy gave a quick bark of a laugh and a broad grin. “Depends, do you want to hear a lecture on divine metaphysics?”

  Sally grimaced. “Not really, no.”

  “Ha! Thought so. Perhaps I’ll talk to your brother about. He seems to lack your people’s stubbornness. Maybe he’ll care about what I have to say,” Lucy snarked.

  This time, it was Sally that barked a laugh.

  X

  Yaling the receptionist let them into the building before pointing to a table in the bar area. Apparently, she – or Caldwell, but Sally doubted it – had prepared lunch for them. On the table were a variety of cacti fruit, mesquite pods, vegetable spreads and bread along with a bowl of salt.

  “You prepared all this?” Sally asked Yaling.

  The woman nodded in response. “It’s part of my duties. I’m the receptionist, clerk, host, and cook.” She giggled softly. “Really, the only thing I don’t do is clean, thankfully. You wouldn’t believe the mess this place can turn into.”

  “That seems like a lot of work for just one person.” Lucy asked.

  Yaling gave a shrug in response. “Maybe it would’ve been, long ago, but ever since the chapter headquarters got moved to Cardinar, this place has become a rest stop at best. Really, outside of sorcerer Caldwell and I, there is only one other Guild member stationed in the city of Lovesse. The rest just come and go as they please.”

  Yaling sighed, before perking up again. “But please, have a seat. I’ll go and fetch Caldwell. Gods know he won’t fetch himself.” The clerk muttered the last part, before moving toward and up the stairs.

  Sally sat while Lucy poured three glasses from a pitcher of green-looking juice before taking a seat herself. They didn’t have to wait long before hurried steps came from the stairwell and Caldwell entered the room.

  Lucy made to stand, but Cal interrupted the move. “Ah, no need to get up on my account- Lucy, right? Pleasure to meet you. I’m sorcerer Caldwell, though call me Cal.” He reached out and they did a quick handshake. “Sally told me you’re a priest of some kind? Though not of the temple in Cardinar, unless you replaced Lenn after I left.” Cal took a seat and began grabbing food, Lucy and Sally following his example.

  “No, no, Lenn’s been doing just fine, and I’m not that kind of priest. I’m more of an itinerant priest, though really a pilgrim with additional duties.” Lucy said, grabbing some fruit and a loaf of bread.

  “A pilgrim, huh? Where you headed?” Cal asked, afterward taking a bite.

  “I’m doing a tour of the lakes of the Grand Circuit. Well, just the major ones at least, I doubt the Prophet’s guidance meant for me to travel to all of ‘em.” Lucy replied, smearing something on her loaf.

  “Ah, a grand tour then. And how did you get caught up in this?” Cal asked, looking at Sally.

  She quickly swallowed the bite of devil’s tongue she just took. “Her uncle’s a manager at the Runner’s Guild in Cardinar. I went there looking for work, and he directed me to Lucy.”

  “You’re skipping parts, Sally.” Lucy admonished jokingly, then turning towards Cal. “I had a vision about her, and vague as it was, I got Alain to direct her toward me. After some convincing, of course.” Lucy smiled at Sally and she smile back, sharing in the joke.

  “A vision, you say?” Cal had an oddly thoughtful expression at her reply. The room remained silent for about half a minute, barring the sounds of clattering tableware, movements of their glasses and the other usual sounds of eating lunch.

  Sally decided to break it. “You know, why did you leave Cardinar? According to Yaling this place is a bit… remote?”

  Cal snorted. “Deserted, more like. But for solitary research this place is excellent, and I can get first pick from any Leagueran caravans that come through. Contact with the Guilds south of the Circuits is also somewhat easier, not having to travel the Red as much or the Gold at all.”

  “Then why did they move the Guild?” Sally asked.

  “Cardinar is not a bad location, and more accessible to the Guild compared to, say, Ancora. Plus, it’s closer to the lake – which is obviously a big object of study to the Guild – and…” Cal hemmed and hawed for a second, before shrugging. “Well, there are probably other reasons, but I’m not as connected to Guild politics. Not being southern and all.”

  Here, Lucy filled in. “It’s because they have a strong support in Cardinar’s city council. And because the militia liked the magically enhanced weapons the Guild can provides.” Lucy grabbed a piece of fruit. “At a lowered cost, of course.” She smiled sardonically at that.

  “How’d you figure that?” Cal asked, somewhat surprised.

  “Alain – my uncle – is fairly high-up in the Runner’s Guild, likely the next head of the Cardinar branch. And besides, the Praesidium is just a large gathering of grumpy old men and women complaining about this and that. Sometimes, you hear things.” Lucy said, shrugging and eating a slice of dragon fruit.

  “You’re a member of the Praesidium?” Cal seemed shocked at that. “Wait, how old are you? How many Sips did you take?”

  Lucy just waved it off. “Twenty-four and six, but that’s less impressive than it sounds. It’s just that these days people only begin taking the Sips later in life. If you look at the records, there were plenty of Praeses my age in the past – younger, even!”

  Cal didn’t seem to believe her, and Sally certainly didn’t. Not after hearing the disdain with which she spoke about the Praesidium, or the fire in her eyes when she spoke of its future.

  She’s playing coy for some reason, but why? Does she not trust Cal? Sally was a bit surprised at that. Lucy had been more than forthcoming about her attitude from the very moment they met. Maybe Lucy thought Caldwell might leverage their acquaintance in the future or something? Who knows, really.

  “A Sixer, huh?” Cal seemed to mutter to himself. “And a ritual and a vision…” He trailed off, deep in thought.

  Sally figured she wasn’t supposed to hear that, and looking at Lucy, she likely hadn’t heard him. Though there was an oddly intense look in the woman’s eyes as she stared at Caldwell, so maybe she did.

  Sally didn’t like what was going on, so she decided to shift the focus. “And what is it that you’re researching here?”

  Cal swallowed. “Yes, well, how to explain it?” He concentrated for a second, looking frustrated. “You know, I’ll explain it upstairs. I’ve got some things there to make it easier.” He continued eating, his attention leaving the conversation entirely.

  Well, that failed.

  The rest of lunch was a quiet and hurried one.

  Cal’s attitude annoyed her a bit. Much like during their morning reunion, whenever something about his research grabbed his focus, everything else seemed to fall by the wayside. What was especially annoying was that his research, somehow, involved her, and yet he seemed set on not telling her anything! It was frustrating, to say the least.

  At least the lunch is good, Sally comforted herself. She should remember to thank Yaling on their way out.

  After the last few bites of the generous lunch, Cal stood up.

  “Well, let’s get going, then?” He asked, an eager smile on his face before moving toward and up the stairs, a hurry in his step.

  Sally and Lucy exchanged a quick look, before nodding at each other and following him.

  “A man run by temperament, I think.” Lucy said, turning to Sally with a smirk. “Must run in the family.”

  Sally could only huff at that.