Chapter 38: The Orders

I know the master mages are going to go on and on and on about Stillness and Transformation. Let me tell you, ignore everything they say. What matters far more than that, is the matching Desire runes. They shape everything, and they are near endless. Angels, I discovered a new one just yesterday. What are the uses for a sit desire rune, you ask? I have no idea. But just the fact that I know it and can use it now? That makes me a more versatile mage than any old geezer who only tries to categorize everything in a duality that can be done without if you’re good enough…. Wait, ignore that bit. You’re not ready for it.

• Eridor’s Journal to his sister.

I stare up at the sun, just rising over the walls of the frontier city. Shar sits on her haunches next to me as a cat, looking up at the same sun.

The light disappears behind the clouds, and the city is covered in gray. I think we’re due for more snow. I shake my body and look towards the front of the inn, where Libby is helping Grildor put on his armor. The large mercenary shoots me a toothy smile as Libby ties one of his vambraces.

They finish up, then walk over to me. Shar immediately dashes away, walking ahead to scout the road.

“It’s too Angel’s damned early. And freezin in this metal.” Grildor grumbles.

I snort, then smile awkwardly, “Sorry about that.”

Libby shakes her head at me, “Don’t listen to his grumbles. We’ve been through worse.”

Grildor frowns at her, then gives me a ‘look at what I have to deal with’ look.

I smile at the grumpy warrior, then turn towards the road. The city is just beginning to wake, and the clang of metal on metal echoes out as we make our way through the craftsman’s district.

I spot a couple of young pickpockets watching the road, but none of them bother us. They know better than to mess with a man in plate armor.

Soon enough, the temple is visible, standing tall. I don’t know the acolyte at the gates well, but he gives me a nod as we approach, then looks at the other two with curiosity.

The two mercenaries pause outside the doors, happy to let me continue on my own.

I make my way to the room with the Guides first, and find Sehara’s statue. I stare at it for a long moment, then kneel next to it, and place a small piece of ancient jewelry at her feet. I look around to find the place mostly empty, only a young kid in the corner sweeping out some dust.

I turn back to the statue, and bow on my knees. “I know you said you don’t like kneeling, but I don’t know how else to show my respect.” I pause, looking up at the faceless statue. “But I wanted to say thank you. I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

I rise to my feet, then turn away. I tap the kid’s shoulder, drawing his attention away from the dust he’s sweeping.

“Where’s Brother Ivan?”

He points me to Brother Ivan’s office, and I make my way towards the old monk.

A small knock on his door is answered with a quiet, “come in.”

I open the door to find the same older man at his desk, writing something onto parchment. He looks up at me, then sets his quill down.

“Leo. It’s good to see you again. What brings you here this time?” He peers at me hopefully.

I shake my head, as I close the door, “Nothing good.”

He stares at me for a long second, then motions to the chair across form him, “Please, sit.”

I make my way over, and sit down in the wooden chair. “After our last meeting, I made my way to the city of the dead up north, off the coast. Up there, I encountered several Demon worshippers, they were after the same artifact I was.”

Brother Ivan hums as he stands up and makes his way to a kettle and two cups on a tray. He takes the tray down, and sets it down between us. He pours me a cup, then pours one for himself. “Does this have something to do with the Divine Anchor?”

“How do you…?” I pause, “So you saw the message as well.”

“Yes.” He takes a sip of his cup, giving me a long look. “Every person with a title related to an Angel saw it. Most of the Reapers were recalled to the stronghold, leaving only their acolytes to guard our frontier town, and the High Priests are convening. I’ve heard tale of the Oathsworn Orders revealing themselves as well.”

I drink some of my own cup, surprised at the seriousness of the old man. “Revealing themselves?”

“With their numbers being so low, most of the Orders went quiet. A High Paladin of Angel Mira’s Order requested to attend the meeting of the High Priests.”

I lean back in my chair. “I didn’t realize they were that hidden.”

“Indeed. I will inform them of the cultists you saw, but I doubt they are still there. Is… the anchor well protected?”

I nod.

“Good. Don’t tell me more.” Brother Ivan hesitates, then pushes his cup aside to lean forward, “Leo. Do not trust the church. There have been questions about an explorer traveling with a Vishten warrior. Reaper Yana lied to protect you, and she knows the politics better than I, so I followed her lead. But her lie tells me that she does not trust the Arch-Reapers or the High Priests. You should not either. I do not know the Oathsworn Orders well, but if they’ve stayed hidden, then they may be your only allies here.”

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I lean back into my chair, absorbing the warning. It was a shock, but I know that most of the various devout and acolytes are just human, with all the weaknesses my race is known for.

I focus back up as Brother Ivan reaches over to one of the drawers in his desk. He unlocks it with a key, then opens it up and takes out a small pin. He holds it out to me, and I take it with curiosity.

“Reaper Yana asked me to give this to you.”

I hold the pin up, studying the familiar symbol of a sleeping woman with her arms crossed over her chest. “Alvarana’s reaper pin?” I look up from it, “Isn’t this dangerous for an outsider to have?”

“Extremely.” Brother Ivan smiles, “So much so, that I hesitated to give it to you before our conversation.”

I trace the fine detailing with my thumb, then slip it into my pocket.

“She said that if you ever needed to see her, use the pin.”