“Very. There are a number of sympathizers among the guards at the manor, and they’re scheduled to be on-duty during the dedication. We can get in quietly as long as we’re careful.” Slaid’s voice was filled with confidence as he smiled.
“Unless it’s a trap. I don’t care, though, let’s do this,” Vendis agreed, grinning. “Oh, we’ll need more details before I’m happy with the plan, but it’s a good start.”
“I’m fine with it as well. Get me within fifty feet of the Archon, and we’ll put him out of his misery for good,” Desa added, smiling even more as she stroked the ancient wood of the staff.
“Looks like we’ve got a plan, then,” Slaid murmured. “Let’s nail down some details, then we can rest. We’re going to have a busy day tomorrow.”
The four were soon hunched over the table, discussing the best way to carry out their raid.
Chapter 27
Jaine Yisara woke in confusion. Unlike every time she’d woken over the last spring and winter, the clarity of purpose she’d developed had largely vanished. In some ways it was like a fog had been removed from her mind, but she wasn’t certain why. Sitting up, the priestess found that Meredith had already left bed and started getting the room prepared for their morning, including setting a covered tray on the table in her guest bedroom.
“Bright the morning, Lady Jaine,” Meredith murmured, looking like she’d already bathed and prepared herself for the day as she arranged clothing for Jaine. “Did you sleep well?”
“I… believe I did. I just feel a little odd this morning,” Jaine replied after a moment’s pause, blinking slowly.
“I do hope you aren’t getting sick! I can call for a healer if you’d like?” the maid offered, looking up from the spotless robe in sudden worry.
“No, no, not that kind of strange. I don’t know how to describe it, if I’m being honest. Just a little disoriented,” Jaine told her, shaking her head as she frowned at herself. She vaguely remembered a dream she’d had the night before, where a strange woman had told her something. Still, while her appreciation for Kelvanis and the Archon had gone up in smoke, she did remember a couple of the suggestions from her dreams, and they were just compelling enough that she decided to go along with them.
“Meredith? When we’re done getting ready for the dedication, I’d like you to pack up the rest of our things and arrange to get them ready for our departure this evening. Coordinate with Maria on it, please?” Jaine directed, slipping out of bed and stretching for a moment, feeling wonderful as she smiled and added, “I suspect we won’t be here another night. Perhaps it’s My Lady telling me to prepare, and I’d like to be ready.”
“Really? I can do that, but… are you sure?” Meredith approached with a simple robe, looking worried. Jaine allowed her to help her into the robe before answering.
“I’m certain. Don’t make a big deal out of it, it could be nothing at all,” Jaine replied gently. “Now, let’s have breakfast and get ready. I don’t want to be late, after all!”
“Wenris, what are you planning?” Serel asked bluntly.
Pausing in the midst of dressing, the succubus raised an eyebrow at the Enforcer. “Whatever do you mean?”
“You’ve been acting strangely. Your time with Diane shows that you could have carried out the Archon’s orders months ago, yet you haven’t. I’ve seen you slipping into town a lot, and I’m starting to wonder why,” Serel told the succubus, her eyes narrowed. Wenris might be her mistress, but that didn’t mean Serel was willing to follow without question. It simply meant that she was going to follow Wenris’ orders, unless overruled by her mistress.
“Ah, of course. Hmm… how to answer…?” Wenris murmured, smiling as she tried on the dress, still in her human guise. She was posing as one of Diane’s maids for this trip, something that wouldn’t deceive anyone who actually knew what was going on in the palace, but good enough to trick outsiders. After a few moments she smiled back at Serel and answered gently. “I’m acting on the orders of My Lady, Serel. Tell me this, do you want to see the Archon taken down a few pegs, or entirely?”
“I…” Serel paused, hesitant to answer the question. That was so close to a betrayal, and it worried her but finally she answered. “Of course I would. I’d love to gut him like a fish and leave him to rot for scavengers, after what he did to me! I was loyal, and he betrayed me!”
“That’s what I thought.” Wenris nodded and smiled. “Well, just do your duty and follow my orders. Your task is to keep Diane safe, nothing more. Today may be… interesting.”
“As you say, Wenris,” Serel acquiesced, still wondering what the demon had planned, but unwilling to question her any further. Even what she’d been told was worrying.
The chatter of the crowd swirling through Westgate’s city center was almost deafening, and Diane looked on the sea of people in shock. There had been a large number of people in the square the previous night, but now it was almost completely packed full of a swirl of humans and elves, with the occasional dwarf or orc. Even more startling to her was that so many of them were around the temple, which was under heavy guard by soldiers who were only letting in a tithe of the people who approached.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Ulvian spoke loudly, grinning.
“Why are there so many people? Even the temple in Kelvanath rarely completely fills up, let alone to this extent!” Jaine asked, speaking Diane’s question for her.
“Good question, Jaine! The answer is simple enough. You, your mother, and myself,” the Archon told her with a laugh, grinning as he nodded toward the temple. “The nobles out here are flocking to the temple in the hopes of getting my attention and perhaps being looked on more favorably. Others are curious about you and Diane, so they’re trying to get a good look at you. Still others are curious about the temple as well, and considering the size of the event, the vendors are out in force to try to sell food and other trinkets, which brings still more people to the event. Interesting how it builds on itself, don’t you think?”
“I suppose, but I’ve rarely seen somewhere this crowded in a city before,” Diane murmured, shaking her head.
“Just wait until you see the festival around Summer Solstice. That’s what I’d call crowded.” Ulvian chuckled again, motioning the guards forward as they started toward the temple.
A heavy wedge of guards forced the crowd aside slowly, and people were staring at them intently, with expressions ranging from adoration to dislike. Diane found herself disturbed by how many people were staring at her with lust, and by several women who were propositioning the Archon enthusiastically.
Step by step they managed to close on the temple, with Serel watching for danger just to Diane’s left, and the maids following just behind Diane and Jaine, each of whom flanked the Archon. It took far longer than it should have to cross the square, but Diane let out a breath of relief as they emerged from the crowd and the guards blocked most of them from following.
Those who had entered were generally much better dressed than those in the town square. To Diane it looked like virtually every noble in the city must have come, and a large number of the common folk or slaves must have been their servants, as silks, linen, and fine cotton abounded in front of the temple and into the antechamber. Passing the statues flanking the entrance, Ulvian spoke loudly to several nobles obviously trying to meet with him.
“Greetings, Ladies and Lords! I’m sorry, but we’re running a bit behind, so I’ll have to meet with you after the dedication. Don’t worry, I won’t be leaving immediately,” the Archon assured them, as most of the guards peeled off to reinforce the perimeter. A curly-haired brunette in a bright pink gown seemed to pout at his words, and the Archon laughed as he spoke to her, causing her to brighten. “Lady Tanna! As beautiful as always, I see! I’ll see you this evening, hmm?”
Trying to ignore the other nobles, Diane studied the temple with a frown. Much of the structure looked untouched save for a new layer of plaster, though the colors of the temple had be
en changed from bright gold and crimson to white and purple, which was jarring. There were a few benches in the foyer, currently occupied by a couple of nobles, and a pair of small shrines for the faithful in alcoves. A number of white-garbed acolytes were in attendance, a few of them speaking with various nobles or slaves, and one, a handsome young human man, approached and bowed his head.
“Lord Archon, Lady Yisara, and Priestess Yisara, I greet thee on behalf of High Priestess Elissa,” he told them, straightening after a moment and continuing with a smile. “I have been directed to guide you to your seats, though I also have a question for the priestess.”
“Thank you, my boy,” Ulvian replied indulgently, raising an eyebrow at Jaine as he asked. “Jaine?”
“What did the High Priestess wish to ask?” Jaine asked, curiosity apparent in her voice.
“She simply wished to know whether or not you were going to join her for the dedication itself, or if you wished to witness the ceremony from the gallery.”
“I…” Jaine paused, startled, but she didn’t say anything more for the moment as she considered. Diane saw Jaine look over at her, and there was something to her gaze that seemed different than it had been. It was almost clearer, and after a moment Jaine spoke. “While I appreciate the honor, I believe that I wish to bask in the glory of Our Lady with my mother this time. If you would pass along my thanks to Elissa?”
“Of course, Priestess. If all of you would follow me? I believe that the dedication will be starting soon.” The acolyte began leading the way to the stairs to the upper floor.
The upper balcony stretched across half of the main chapel, with several private boxes stretching out farther along the walls to allow for more privacy, one of which they were led to. The chapel was built into the rear half of the dome of the temple, with the altar set about a dozen feet forward, a broad window behind it piercing the wall and likely originally designed to frame the rising sun behind the priestesses when the temple was dedicated to Medaea.
Diane was startled to see several crystal lanterns hanging from the ceiling by chains, glowing brilliantly to provide light to the chamber, but somehow not bright enough to hurt the eyes of those who looked at them. Lanterns such as those were on the expensive side, at least when they could illuminate such a broad area. Also odd was an empty space behind the altar where a statue had once stood, the spot perfectly clear and clean. Pews lined much of the lower floor, as well as a large portion of the balcony, though to Diane it looked as though some of them had been rather hastily added, considering how rough they were in comparison to others that had been polished to a dull shine. The acolyte left them as they entered their box, which had four fine chairs in it, each with plush cushions.
“Lady Diane?” Ulvian pulled out one of the chairs and smiled at her, and she flushed slightly before nodding and taking a seat.
“Thank you, Archon,” Diane replied softly, settling in as best she could. Down below there were several acolytes scurrying about the raised dais, making their final preparations for the ceremony, even as the hubbub of voices grew as more and more people settled into the pews and chairs.
“You’re most welcome. I must say, I’m looking forward to this,” Ulvian replied, taking the seat next to her, while Wenris took the other chair next to Diane.
The look of anticipation on the Archon’s face made Diane wonder what it was that he was looking forward to. She’d likely find out soon enough, though, so she sat back to relax and wait.
Vendis peered through a peephole in the wagon’s side, holding her breath as it approached the manor. The building was lightly guarded, compared to what she’d been told it normally was like, but even so, if this was a trap it’d just look like it was lightly guarded.
Slaid was driving the wagon, with four other wagons following, purportedly with supplies for the party scheduled for after the dedication. If anyone actually checked the wagons, all they’d find were several dozen heavily armed elves and humans, which would make things go south in a hurry.
Pulling up to the gate, Vendis watched Slaid nod to the woman on duty, his voice calm. “Hey, Betty. I’ve got some supplies for the party this evening.”
“Hey, you old pirate! It’s been an age since I saw you last.” Betty had a face like a worn battle-axe, weathered and with an incredibly distinctive nose. She grinned, then nodded. “Sounds good, let’s just take a look, and we’ll get you on your way.”
Vendis tensed as the armored soldier came around and pulled open the rear flap of their wagon to take a look inside. Everyone stared at her with hands on their weapons, and Betty looked back calmly for a moment before continuing on to the next wagon without a word. It took a few minutes for the woman to check each of the wagons, and Vendis slowly let out her breath, relieved.
“That made me nervous,” Desa murmured softly, settling down next to Vendis.
“I fully agree,” Vendis whispered, waiting.
“Looks good to me.” Betty’s voice was cheerful, and they could hear her shake Slaid’s hand as she continued in an amused voice. “Looks like it’s going to be one heck of a party. Wish I could attend.”
“Who knows, maybe you can wrangle an invitation?” Slaid replied with a laugh. “Much obliged, see you later, Betty!”
“And you as well!” the guard replied, and the gate slowly creaked open.
With the creaking clatter of wheels on cobblestone, the wagons slowly slipped into the manor grounds, carrying their inhabitants with them.
“With the offerings and respect of all those present, we ask for the blessings of Tyria on this humble temple, that it may be sanctified in her name.” Elissa’s voice rang out through the chapel seemingly effortlessly, and Diane couldn’t help but be impressed by the acoustics of the building. That probably dated to Medaea’s church, but even so, it was impressive.
The dedication so far had been simple, starting with Elissa praying to her goddess, and ordaining a woman named Roxanne as the priestess of the temple-to-be. The redhead looked absolutely delighted to be there, which made Diane have mixed feelings about things. But still—
Diane’s thoughts cut off abruptly as a brilliant purple glow flooded through the window behind Elissa. The light grew brighter, and suddenly a figure seemed to melt through the glass, and practically everyone in the temple gasped as the angel entered the chapel. A stunned silence fell over the chamber as those within looked on in stunned awe.
The angel looked like an elven woman with blood-crimson hair falling to the base of her spine and a violet halo over her head. Her wings were the color of her halo, and her lips and eyes were a deep purple as she smiled down at Elissa. Wearing a full suit of body-hugging plate, the angel had a sword at her side, and her entire body glowed with heat and light.
“Her Eminence has heard thy prayers, and I have come on Her behalf to answer you.” The angel spoke softly, but her voice echoed through the chapel with barely restrained power. Though most of the people in the chapel seemed shocked, Diane saw Ulvian lean forward, a look of anticipation on his face as the priestesses on the dais fell to their knees before the angel.
“Lady Zenith, we are honored by your presence,” Elissa said, her voice filled with respect as she identified the angel as the same one who’d blessed Diane and Jaine.
“Just as My Lady is honored by the regard of the faithful,” Zenith replied, slowly floating downward with heavy beats of her wings until she was resting on the stone. Turning to the priestess beside Elissa, she spoke gently. “Roxanne, rise and stand before me.”
“As you say, Lady Zenith.” The priestess’ voice betrayed both anxiety and excitement as she stood up and moved in front of the angel, her hands visibly trembling as she gripped her holy symbol.
Zenith slowly reached out to lay a hand on the priestess’ head, and her voice was gentle as she spoke. “Roxanne, your faith has drawn the attention of My Lady, and you have her blessing to tend to this temple of hers. May you ever walk in Her light, and honor Her.”
A soft glow seemed to envelop Roxanne for a moment, before it was suddenly gone as the angel took her hand away. As it vanished, the priestess stood straighter, and her voice was clearer as she replied. “Thank you, Lady Zenith! I will endeavor to live up to her expectations!”
“See that you do,” Zenith replied with a brilliant smile, then turned her gaze upon those within the chapel, her eyes blazing. For a long moment she didn’t speak, but finally she did so, her voice sterner than it had been. “My Lady has long been removed from the world, but she has chosen to reveal herself again at last, and soon she shall reveal her true glory to one and all. For now, let everyone know that Kelvanis is under her protection, and that Her Flames will defend it from all who threaten it. Now I must depart, but know that She is watching.”
With a blinding flash of light, the angel vanished, leaving Diane blinking away her brief blindness, even as terror at the angel’s words flooded her. How could Kelvanis have a goddess on their side to such an extent? If it were true, wouldn’t that mean her escape was impossible?
Soft exclamations drew Diane’s attention to the dais once more, and she swallowed hard as she saw that where the angel had stood in front of the glass window, there was now a white marble statue. The statue was of a gorgeous, armored angelic woman much like Zenith, her ears those of an elf and with her on one knee, a sword out and piercing into the statue’s base. Her wings were outstretched, but her armor was form-fitting, revealing a generous amount of her cleavage, including what appeared to be a gem set just below her collarbone, as well as another gem in her forehead. The sight stunned Diane.
Before anyone could react for more than a few moments, Elissa rose, turning to the audience with a radiant smile as she spoke brightly. “The Lady has blessed us greatly this very day. Shall we pray?”
As a fervent rumble of agreement rose from the crowd, Diane’s sense of despair began to grow still more… until she caught sight of Wenris’ slight smile. The succubus met Diane’s eyes, and a moment later her voice rang out in the former queen’s mind. “Don’t worry, Diane. I knew about this before making my plans. We have plenty of time to escape.”
Halls of Power (Ancient Dreams Book 3) Page 20
