It was a big day for Dav, after many months his ascension to the Anointed was upon him. Normally one wouldn't be granted advancement so soon into their training, he’d only arrived the previous spring and just shy of a year later facing his pilgrimage. True he had the benefit of years of preparation and training by his adoptive father Anthin, and to be fair hearing of the rumours and events in Etrusia, these were not normal times. A few weeks ago he attended Tanisin’s ceremony. Tan along with their mutual friends Willhem, Relf and Deliah and some others had graduated from recruits to become soldiers in the United Guard Corps.

  That had been a morning of pomp and military ceremony. Marching ranks of Corps veterans had formed up in dress uniforms and armour immaculate in the morning light. Winter had never truly settled over the Citadel and the lands of the Grant beyond its walls, yet spring was here and promising a hot dry summer. Speeches were given announcing the urgency of the recruits' new standing, the need to focus on the Church’s mandate and the mutual cooperation between the ranks of the Corps and the hierarchy of The Church of Sayoshti’s Children.

  The last speech had been given by the knight Anders, who as Master at Arms oversaw the military training within the Citadel. He ascended the podium with precision born from long service in the ranks, the bearing of a warrior. No unnecessary movements, no wasted energy, no uncertainty.

  “Men and Women of the Unified Guard Corps, Gathered Enlightened, and our most holy Father, Witness Clement.” He announced in his battlefield voice. “Today we welcome additions to our ranks.” A cheer from the gathered soldiers and some small applause from the gallery surrounding The Witness. “Recruits, you join a body with a long and honourable history. One that has served Sayoshti’s Will since the day her legendary bodyguards held off the masses of Despair's minions as She made her ultimate sacrifice for all of Etrusia. Those bodyguards, as you know, formed the very being of the Corps that day and continued to serve the First Witness to Sayoshti’s Sacrifice faithfully. Now three millennia later you join these august ranks in fulfilling the duty Sayoshti herself placed upon them. DEFEND THE WITNESS!” He burst forth.

  “TO THE LAST BREATH.” The gathered recruits replied.

  “PURGE THE LAND OF DESPAIR’S INFLUENCE!” Anders called next.

  “TILL NONE REMAINS TO PLAGUE US.” The resounding response.

  “HONOUR AND VICTORY TO THE GUARD!”

  “SAYOSHTI GUIDE US, SAYOSHTI BLESS US, SAYOSHTI’S SPIRIT WARD US.”

  A trill of pipes and the cadence of drums filled the air as the benediction ended and with that the Corps and those assembled welcomed the new class of recruits. There were other ceremonies included in the morning. Anders himself bestowed the rank of squad sergeant upon Tanisin much to the pride of both Dav and Anthin. Others received similar promotions and recognition for their abilities and skills. The day was capped off with a formal dinner.

  Now it came to Dav’s turn. In the days after his meeting with Enlightened Relmar, his instructors focused on him separately from the other acolytes. They spent time preparing him as best they could for his pilgrimage to Despair’s Abyss. Some relayed their own experiences, imparting wisdom as deemed necessary by each. He’d spend the night prior to his departure in isolation, prayer and fasting before receiving the blessing from Brother Anthin and setting out. It became somewhat clearer to him what he could expect on the journey and his arrival at the Barrier.

  First he had to traverse the Grant and the Dreadlands. In the Grant no issue was expected. The land was settled with villages and farms, craftsmen and towns providing commerce to the populace within. He’d have no issue finding lodgings, extra food, fodder or any of the things needed. Other than the occasional husk that slipped through the barrier and made its way to the area or the odd bandit preying on the locals he could expect to encounter no resistance. Patrols routinely eliminated any husks reported in the area and bandits themselves were rare so close to The Citadel.

  That Tanisin and some few other soldiers would be with him should account for any potential encounter. It helped as well that he had his own proficiency and confidence with a blade. As they drew nearer to the Dreadlands things would change, slow at first but becoming more noticeable as he crossed fully into them.

  About three days into his trip he’d notice things slowly changing. Less people, less life in general. The plant life would slowly devolve to arid dry grasslands and inside the Dreadlands they would find life corrupted by Despair’s influence. Many more husks wandered there than outside. What animals there were would be deformed and twisted and most certainly not safe to consume. Plant life would appear dead and dry and much of the foliage there would be hazardous to consume and bore poisonous thorns.

  At the barrier he would stop. While his Corps contingent protected his flank he would be expected to pray and commune with the spirit of Sayoshti enveloped within. In theory each and every member of the clergy had made this connection to Sayoshti’s spirit. It was widely accepted that some failed while also accepted that those who failed often hid the fact. Each experience was different and no one could tell Dav what to expect. The connection was between himself and Sayoshti and was not to be questioned or doubted by any. His return unscathed would be acknowledgement in itself that he’d fulfilled the spirit of his pilgrimage.

  The spring morning pre-dawn found Dav in his quarters. Sleep deprived and hungry yet content and firm in his resolve to continue on his path. He’d done as expected and spent the night’s long hours in prayer, reflection and fasting, searching his soul. Upon the morning bell, heard all throughout the Citadel he stood from his seat on the stone floor and awaited the summons to serve. It came shortly after in the form of a knock on his door by Anthin.

  “Are you ready son?”

  Dav, stretching out the kinks from his back, stood tall. “I think so.” There was a hint of his uncertainty in the reply.

  “If it helps Dav, I believe you’re ready.” Anthin looked at him with barely suppressed pride. Dav grabbed his adopted father in a great hug born of love, gratitude and relief, but also of a need to not let go. At least not yet.

  Anthin returned the embrace. Despite the lack of a blood connection he felt everything a father would at seeing his son grow, to become a man. “Dav, you’ll crush me if you keep at it, loosen up.” He disentangled himself and a reluctant Dav let go.

  “Now, if you are ready they’re waiting for you in the chapel.”

  They both took the time to collect themselves. Anthin regaled in the official dress of his station. A flowing regal blue robe and collar. It was something he’d only ever worn on gathering day while ministering mass to his parish. Dav hadn't seen it on him in over a year. Dav himself wore a simple white robe. Solemn and composed, the two made their way to the chapel.

  They were met at the doors by a guardsman, it was Tanisin who’d volunteered for this first official duty of his career. In dress uniform, with a large pike held formally at his side he made a resplendent figure. Both he and Dav, Anthin as well broke into a huge grin as the two came to a stop.

  “Alright Dav?” Tanisin had a way of knowing what Dav was feeling, almost anytime. Dav for his part wore his emotions on his face clear as day.

  “Alright Tan.” Dav nodded. Not trusting himself to say anything further.

  Tanisin opened the ornate double doors to the chapel. They were huge and made of bronze gilded in gold. Tanisin stepped into the cavernous domed room as Dav and Anthin waited. He connected the butt of his pike to the marble floor of the chapel entryway. Then with a loud clear voice heard by all within Dav’s adopted brother called out.

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  “Who comes to ascend the path of the righteous and carry out Sayoshti’s will?”

  “One called, to carry the burden.” Dav had learned all the replies in his classes.With each cadence and reply Tanisin butted his pike on the floor, causing an echoing boom throughout the chapel.

  “Who comes, to spread the word of Sayoshti’s Sacrifice. To minister the people and follow Sayohsti’s will?”

  “One called, to spread the word, to speak the truth of it as witnessed.” Another resounding bang of the pike.

  Who comes to challenge Despair? To stand vigilant against Despair’s influence. To guard the souls of believers against the darkness of Despair.”

  “One called, to ensure Despair never prospers. To ensure light and hope prevail against Despair.” The last cadence ended with another strike of pike on the floor.

  “Enter you who has been called. Open your heart to Sayoshti’s blessing. Open your soul to Sayoshti’s will. Open your eyes to Sayoshti’s will.” Tanisin performed a sharp turn on one heel and strode further into the chapel ahead of Dav and Tanisin.

  As formal as it was and despite Dav’s uncomfortable feeling that the eyes of all Etrusia were upon him, it was a small ceremony. At first he feared the chapel to be full. A glance up on entering showed him it was hardly so. Rather only the first two lines of pews were filled and Dav recognized every face in attendance. He was grateful to not have to do this in front of the whole of the Citadel as it was usually done.

  Tanisin continued to lead the way up the aisle towards a pulpit set raised beyond the pews. Anthin and Dav followed side by side, dignified and controlled as they measured their steps together. At the foot of the dias Tanisin came to an abrupt stop done with military precision. He knelt to one knee pressing his left hand to the floor and bowed his head to the image of Sayoshti set behind the pulpit. The others stepped up beside him to follow suit. As Dav kneeled he took the opportunity to fix the image in his mind.

  Sayoshti stood above all, stitched into the huge tapestry in immaculate detail. Her Veliar features, sharp and not human. She was resplendent as depicted above. A radiant glow framed the face that while not human was beautiful to behold, with angular almond shaped green eyes and long flowing mane of red hair. Her cheeks prominent and a turn of the nose almost, though not quite, snout like that made the Velliar seem more animalistic if no more pleasing to look upon than humans. Her imposing form, arms outstretched, back slightly arched. Reaching to the very fabric of creation to summon forth the force that would save Etrusia and as a consequence doom her people. The image inspired as well as awed and he bowed his head in reverence.

  The three stood then in unison turned and genuflected to those in attendance. Sitting front and centre The Witness! in a separate throne-like chair as Sayoshti’s holy voice in Etrusia. Behind him ran the first set of pews filled with Enlightened Relmar, Enlightened Serivus and all of Dav’s instructors with room for Dav and Tanisin to take a seat further down. Arrayed in the next pew line Dav’s friends sat beaming at him. Willhem, Relf and Deliah, with various functionaries and record keepers to document the occasion. As Dav and Tanisin took to their own seats, Brother Anthin mounted the raised platform and stood behind the podium.

  Anthin delivered the ritual of mass to the assembled in a clear and certain voice. One Dav only heard on gathering days or when he was in trouble in the past. Dav lost himself in the cadence and flow of the words as Anthin recited. His mind wandered. He thought back to his childhood, the joys and sadness. He wondered where he’d be posted and whether he’d do himself justice in his duties. He worried on separating from Anthin and Tanisin, the solid anchors of his life thus far after his Faith. He thought of Anna back home, of stolen moments and simpler times. He hoped she was doing alright. His mind flowed from thought to thought as Anthin’s clear voice rang out over him.

  The full ritual of gathering mass tended to drag on, but Anthin was an adept at his craft and went through it in what seemed like no time to Dav’s wandering mind. Soon he was calling those assembled to stand and requesting the presence of Dav and his companions who were to join him on his mission to present themselves in front of the dais. The five of them lined up in front of Brother Anthin with heads down. Anthin stood a step above them, wasting no time as he began the blessing.

  “Sayoshti our Saviour. We pray for you in humility and grace to bestow your blessing upon these gathered here today.” His words were repeated by the recipients of the blessing. He went down the line, touching each of them on the top of the head as he passed.

  “Sayoshti our Saviour. We pray for you to grant wisdom in times of doubt, light in times of darkness, and hope as we face the influence of Despair. He now touched an oil from his thumb to their foreheads, marking a circled cross as they each looked up in turn to receive it and repeated his words.

  “Sayoshti our Saviour. We ask as the recipients of your blessing approach your divine presence that you grant them knowledge of your will, to carry out your mission upon Etrusia and to spread the word of your sacrifice and selflessness throughout the realms.”

  With this Anthin himself genuflected to the image behind him. On his knees, arms raised in praise and worship to the being whose blessing he bestowed.

  “Sayoshti our Saviour. In your name we pray.” All of the assembled repeated the last after Anthin as he led them through the prayer.

  To Dav came an immediate sense of peace. A feeling of presence and love directed to all living things in Etrusia. He felt the calm of Sayoshti’s spirit as it infused him. He felt the joy at the knowledge that her sacrifice had indeed saved Etrusia, he felt the regret and acceptance that it had cost her people the ultimate price. The others of his party felt much the same and even those gathered to witness the blessing were awash in the calm serenity of it.

  Afterwards they all gathered for a light breakfast. Many of Dav’s instructors stopped to welcome him to their holy calling before deprecating to some duty or another. Most offered more advice for his pilgrimage. Enlightened Serivus stopped in and imparted some encouraging words to Dav. The Witness himself took the time to offer some words of welcome before he too left with his entourage in tow. Remaining behind were Brother Anthin, Enlightened Relmar and Anders as well as Dav and Tanisin’s companions. They ate, merry and carefree for the moment with the knowledge that Sayoshti had accepted their prayers.

  Anthin looked at Dav and Tanisin. “Are you ready?” He had a knowing look in his eyes.

  “Almost.” Dav stated. “I have to change, grab my gear. Then all that's left is to collect our supplies and get to it.”

  “Tanisin.” Anders called. “See the barracks quartermaster when you’re done here. All should be ready for you. Horses, supplies and food for the journey.” Raising his cup in salute. “ I wish you all luck, return to us safely.”

  The sentiment echoed around the table as all raised their cups. Relmar then stood and spoke. “Dav. I have no doubt of your success. You’ve chosen fine companions, Anthin has bestowed Sayoshti’s blessing upon you all. We have given you the knowledge and the training. The rest is up to you.”

  The Enlightened took his seat as they all continued their meals and conversation flowed all around Dav. He sat somewhat in disbelief with all that had passed. It was a light affair, easygoing, but one that came to an end too soon. As they finished and prepared to leave the dining room Relmar spoke again to Dav.

  “Go now, depart from us an acolyte facing the first trials of your Faith. Return to us a Brother Anointed, ready to serve Sayoshti and the Church.” He turned to the others, Tanisin chief among them; “Guard him well you soldiers of the Corps, for that is your mandate and your mission.” and he departed forthwith.

  “I’ll meet you guys at the east gate, bring my horse.” Dav called to his companions. He stopped to give Anthin a firm handshake and another quick hug before tearing off down the hall to change and grab his pack and his sword. The rest of them went the other way clustered around Brother Anthin as chicks to a hen until they arrived at the doorway to the courtyard beyond.

  “I leave you all here now. Sayoshti’s spirit will be with you.” Anthin declared.

  “With you as well.” They all replied before Tanisin continued, taking Anthin’s hand in his grip. “See you soon, we’ll bring him back safely. I promise.”

  “I’ve no doubt my boy.” Parting with his sons was proving difficult for Anthin, emotion choked his voice. “I expect I’ll be back myself before your return.”

  Surprised at the statement, Tanisin looked at him as the question hung between them.

  “The council has given me a mission in Wayra. A simple matter. One that I suspect was designed to get me out from underfoot for a while. Fear not lad, I’ll be back before your return. You won’t even miss me.”

  “I miss you already.” Matter of fact and direct Tanisin spoke his mind on the matter. “Watch out for yourself, and take your own advice.”

  They hugged and Anthin departed to get himself ready for his trip. Tanisin looked to his remaining companions. Willhem, Deliah, Relf. He was happy to have such company coming with them, even Relf.

  “Well troop, let's go see the quartermaster and get this thing started.” He ordered. They fell into step behind him and followed to the yard.