Chapter 24: Burial Rites

  Charlie nudged Chastity in the ribs.

  “You’re a Holy Lady, aren’t you? Can’t you say a few words for the deceased?” he whispered.

  Chastity pondered this.

  she thought.

  “Ahem,” Chastity cleared her throat. “Would you allow me to say a few words for the dead? I may not be an elf, or versed in the rituals of your people, but I am a Paladin. I’ve been trained in various burial rites and ceremonies. At the very least, it might help bring a measure of peace to your troubled heart. Then we will take our leave and disturb you no more.”

  Yr considered this. Sensing an opening, Chastity pressed the matter.

  “If you don’t mind, please tell me a little more about your beliefs. I would not want to say anything offensive by mistake…”

  Yr rubbed his smooth chin, not meeting Chastity’s eye.

  “I do not pretend to understand the ways of Realmwalkers,” the elf answered quietly, “but I do have respect for the Holy Order of Paladins. True, even a human Cleric might be better suited to the task, but if there is something you can do for my brethren… they are at least owed that much.”

  Chastity placed the Codex back in her inventory and stowed her javelin bundle.

  “Then tell me about this Great Divine. We may know your deity by another name in my Realm. And please tell me about the land of rest you spoke of.”

  Yr turned to face her, his countenance softer than before.

  “As any child of Sk?rselden could tell you,” he began, “we follow the Great Divine–the Unpainted Painter, the Unsculpted Sculptor, the Uncomposed Composer. He is also called the Celestial King, ruling from his throne in the Celestial Kingdom above the crown of the world. When their time in this world comes to an end, the souls of the mortal races make their way to the Fields of Renewal or the Realm of Black Fire below. Although I fear that ever since the seal was broken and the Black Dragon released, it has been difficult for the souls of the wicked to find their way to that netherworld.”

  Chastity wondered.

  “For the elves,” Yr continued, “the first of the races of creation, the Great Divine prepared a special land of rest beyond the waters as reward for the caretakers of his first forests. The eldest among us believe that one day, in an unknowable age to come, we will be called on to restore this world to the Paradise it was always intended to be. Then the righteous souls at rest in the Fields of Renewal will return to live in harmony, when the shining bridge is restored between the Celestial Kingdom above and these Middle Lands.”

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  That last line sounded like a verse of poetry or song. Chastity was touched by the beauty of the sentiment. She bowed her head in gratitude.

  “Thank you, Yr, for explaining. I believe I can perform the rite–one that I am familiar with–in a way that will be acceptable for the wood elves. Will you allow me to?”

  Yr nodded. He asked for a few minutes and went off, gathering some items stashed away for safekeeping. This gave Chastity time to prepare.

  she thought.

  “Recall knowledge–religion,” she breathed.

  As before, there was a chime, and a text box appeared in her vision.

  Chastity’s mind sharpened. Her thoughts flew to the Book of Common Prayer, first released in 1549 under the guiding hand of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. In the most recent version of that venerable text, there were several sections that were applicable.

  Chastity focused on the words of these centuries-old liturgies, consciously aligning the language to fit this other world. It was easier than expected–as if this world had a special gravity pulling her deeper and deeper in its reality.

  When the preparations were made, Chastity stood at the head of the resting ground. As she recited the words, Yr went from body to body, carefully pining a single white flower and an ornamental green leaf onto each of the carefully wrapped bundles. He softly repeated the Paladin’s words as he went, translating them into the Old Tongue.

  “O Great Divine, whose mercies are uncountable–accept our prayers on behalf of your servants–the Viridian Stewards of Everglen. Grant them entrance into the land of rest that you prepared for them across the Great Sea. Although they have fallen, may they again see light and joy at the end of their journey, and find fellowship with all the elves that have crossed over the waters ahead of them. Many are the troubles of this world, but we beseech you for strength and grace, especially for their brother Yr ?rsmíe, to entrust these here into your never-failing care. May you hear and answer from your Celestial Throne…”

  She then recited a psalm appropriate for the occasion, one of several suggested in the Book of Common Prayer. And that is where a Cleric might end the service. But as a Paladin, Chastity continued, again feeling hot indignation rising within her.

  “... and Celestial King–may you rain down righteous judgment on the dark fiend who visited this evil upon these your servants, executing divine justice and freeing the land from his tyranny!”

  As the ceremony concluded, tears like the morning dew streamed down Yr’s face. But there was gratitude mixed with sorrow. As promised, Chastity and Charlie gathered their belongings and prepared to leave.

  “Wait,” the wood elf called, approaching the companions, eyes still wet. “Thank you, Miss Morningstar. And you for accompanying her, Little Cucumber. It is enough. Yes, it is enough…”

  “What will you do now?” Chastity asked. She couldn’t fathom how dozens of bodies in this landlocked glen, with only Yr to move them, were to cross over any ‘waters.’“It will take me some time to prepare the longboats which will carry my brethren,” he explained. “Then I shall summon the stags of the Evervale to draw them to the hidden river that cuts through the southern mountains to the Great Sea. I will speak with the trees, as I said, so that you may return safely. But before you go, as thanks for the service you performed for us… for me… I will translate the Codex for you.”

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