Sara had come to stand beside Seth with a look of concern mixed with a look of confusion. Seth took his eyes off Borrik only for a moment to meet her eyes. He could see she was afraid, and he wished to ease her fear. Seth did not trust the gods, he felt what was near to loathing for them. Now it seemed however a god had taken interest in him. This Seth knew could not be a good sign. Though Ashton had a Goddess. A Goddess he loved and worshipped and it seemed to make him happy. All this Seth thought about before speaking again.
“Do you have a place we can sit and talk?” Seth asked Borrik still refusing to accept the small book.
“Yes master, past the statue there is a hall. Through the hall there is a room with a table and some chairs.” Borrik stated gesturing towards the darkness.
“Will you take us there?” Seth asked unwilling to enter a dark room first as it could be some sort of trap.
“Yes sire I will do as you command.” Borrik said again bowing low to the ground.
Borrik walked past Seth and Sara. Circling around the statue he continued on into the darkness. Seth followed next pulling Sara along behind him. They traversed the short hall and stepped into a room where a single candle sputtered upon a table. Borrik plucked the candle up from where it sat and used its small flame to ignite several torches that clung to the walls of the room. As the light increased the room was revealed. Inside the room was a long table with a dozen chairs situated around it. There were two ways out of the room. The first was the hall they had entered through, the second was a wooden door across from the hallway that at this time remained closed. Deciding it was safe, Seth pulled out a chair and gestured for Sara to sit. Sara quickly sat in the chair he offered, wanting to quickly learn what was going on. Seth then waited for Borrik to seat himself before sitting beside Sara. Organizing his thoughts Seth looked to Sara before he began to speak.
“Many nights ago I had a dream. Only it was not like a dream, it was as if it was more real than even when I was awake. In the dream I was at first alone in a round room. The room had no doors or windows. I could see plainly but there was no source of light. I searched for a way out but there were none to be found. Giving up my search I had turned around and before me there stood a woman. I know now that the woman was Ishanya. She told me to seek her out in the oldest buildings in Valdadore. I did not know that she had meant a temple, and thinking it a dream I had no intentions of pursuing her wishes. When we came here to the temple I recognized the statue and when I touched it I could hear her voice. She again spoke to me. This time she told me to leave. She told me to call upon her when I had need of her. She said that if I served her, she would reward me.” Seth told his tale looking always to Sara and waiting for her to respond.
“So the Goddess spoke to you in your dreams, and even though you did not intend to you found the place she wanted you to come?” Sara asked to confirm her understanding.
“Yes.” Seth stated simply.
“Then you touch the statue and she tells you to serve her and in return she will reward you. That must be when you started shaking.” Sara said to Seth.
“Yes that is right.” Seth answered.
“Then you Mr. Borrik say that the Goddess sent you on an errand to fetch a book. The book you are to give to Seth because the Goddess told you that he would serve her. Now you bring the book to him, and tell him that you are to serve him instead of the Goddess?” Sara asked
“Almost M’lady.” Borrik hissed. “I serve the Goddess by serving him.” He stated gesturing towards Seth.
“What do you get in return?” Sara asked knowing a piece of the puzzle was still missing.
“The mistress told me that in time my new master would be able to reward me with a great strength and lasting life.” Borrik answered quickly.
“May I see the book?” Seth asked.
“Yes master it is yours to protect now.” Borrik answered holding the book out for Seth to take.
“Please call me Seth.” Seth replied taking the book for Borrik’s extended hand.
Seth carefully opened the cover to expose a badly stained but otherwise blank page. Flipping to the next page he found it too was blank. Seth quickly sifted through the entire book letting the pages flip open one after another. Each and every page was free of ink.
“The pages are blank Borrik, what kind of trick do you try to pull here?” Seth demanded rising to his feet.
“No trick Lord Seth I assure you. I cannot read the pages either my Lord, but maybe if you ask the mistress she will reveal its contents to you.” Borrik stated certain he was correct.
“Where did you get it?” Seth asked.
“It was hidden among ancient books in a secret library protected by those who know its origins.” Borrik replied.
“Who are they and if no one can read it then how many know its secrets?” Seth asked still standing.
“I know neither what they call themselves nor who they serve Master Seth, but I assure you there are several less people who know about the book than there were before I sought it out.” Borrik said stating the last part proudly.
“You killed for this?” Seth said taken aback.
“Yes master Seth, it was the only way to retrieve it. They would not have given it to me freely.” Borrik stated a determined expression upon his face.
“What is so important about it then that people would die to keep it safe?” Seth again demanded.
“As I said master I know not what it contains but I can tell you this much. The man who wrote the invisible inscriptions that the book is said to contain was once nearly seated where the King sits now.” Borrik stated, he the only one worshipper of Ishanya remaining who knew the books history.
Seth mulled all the details over in his mind. The Goddess had gone out of her way to choose him for some reason unknown to him. If ever he did call upon her perhaps he could use this knowledge as leverage. She chose him, not the other way around. She had also given him a book containing something important, but he was unable to read it so that seemed pointless at this time. These details were important, of that Seth was sure. More importantly however was the reward Borrik was promised, a reward that Seth was supposed to eventually give him. Seth was to give him a reward that consisted of some sort of strength and lasting life. The details swirled in Seth’s mind and he filed them away to dwell on later. He looked to Sara and noticed she too was wrestling with all the unexpected events and details and as Seth watched her face suddenly lit up and she smiled widely.
“What is it angel?” Seth asked.
“Well it seems you do have or will have ties to a religion.” Sara stated leaving the thought unfinished.
“Hardly something to be happy about Sara, you know how I feel about worship.” Seth stated not grasping her point.
“I know love, but it also means that in some way you will probably belong to a temple and so we can be joined.” Sara stated quickly her smile beaming at him.
“Well there is that.” Seth replied returning her smile.
Seth was amazed that with all this news surrounding the unexpected revelation Sara was able to find a silver lining. She never ceased to amaze him. Stuffing the book in his tunic Seth again turned to face Borrik.
“So what of us now Borrik?” Seth asked the man.
“I cannot tell master. I imagine it is up to you to decide when or if you will call upon the mistress. Then maybe you will see more clearly what it is she wants or requires.” Borrik answered.
“What of you then Borrik? What shall you do in the mean time?” Seth asked.
“What do you wish of me Master Seth? I am to serve you.” Borrik stated a look of questioning appearing on his face.
“What is it you would normally do?” Seth asked.
“I live here at the temple master. I am its sole keeper.” Borrik replied.
“Then I suppose you should continue your duties here for now Borrik.” Seth told him, then added as an afterthought. “I do have one service you could provide for me if you are so incl
ined.”
“What is it you would have me do master?” Borrik asked happy to serve.
“I want information. Gather up any book or scroll that contains information about Ishanya or those who served her and deliver them to me at The King’s Herald.” Seth commanded.
“You shall have all you wish before night falls Master Seth.” Borrik vowed to the man he now served.
Seth was still on his feet when he bid Borrik farewell. Reaching out his had to assist her, Seth helped Sara from her chair and they quickly left the temple. Returning to the sunlight Seth and Sara stood outside the wooden entrance to the temple dedicated to the Goddess Ishanya. Seth did not move as to return to the street. Instead he turned to face Sara a look of defeat upon his face.
“I don’t think we should mention this to my brother or Ashton.” Seth said quietly.
“Why is that my love? Don’t you think that perhaps they might have some insight as to all that has occurred?” Sara asked her face a mask of concern.
“They might indeed angel, but I would like to know more myself before burdening them with my troubles.” He stated.
“If that is what you want, then I will not mention it.” Sara said honestly. “So what do we do now?” She then asked.
“Well it appears to be about time to meet the others so I guess we will go do that.” Seth stated noting the suns position in the sky. “Later, after Borrik delivers the information I asked for, I suppose we will have some reading to do. I don’t think it will look suspicious if we retire to our room early tonight do you?” Seth asked with a crooked grin on his lips.
“No indeed my love. In fact if we are to be spending a lot of time in our room then perhaps we can do more than read.” Sara said with a giggle, her teasing grin appearing briefly.
Seth took Sara’s hand and they walked from between the temples into the street ahead. Rounding the corner to the left they quickly navigated through the throngs of people and worked their way down the long street. Seth ignored the people gathering in the street as well as the row of temples to his left. He guided them on instinct alone, all the while sifting through details of his conversation with Borrik. Seth found it discomforting knowing that a god had sought him out. Why would a god choose him over another person? What was it the god wanted of him? Seth knew enough about the gods to determine that they did not act on a whim. Ashton had stated that the gods needed followers or worshippers to exist, though it was not a proven fact. If it was a worshipper Ishanya wanted she had chosen the wrong disciple. Seth was not inclined to blind worship. The gods were each known to grant special blessings to their most devout followers. Seth had witnessed this with Ashton and again earlier this same day with the enormous knights inside the castle. A god’s blessing could come in any form ranging from the most mundane ability to amazing feats of immense power. Seth recalled how it had felt to wield the power of Ashton’s Goddess. The power had not been his to wield, but none the less Ashton had loaned the power to him in a sense, allowing him to feel it course through his body. Seth recalled the feeling as if it had only just happened. It was a feeling he had enjoyed immensely. It was both pleasurable and intoxicating. It was a feeling Seth secretly hoped to one day feel again. If the Goddess wished to grant Seth a blessing of magic he could not imagine himself refusing it. He would not lower himself into a position of mindless worship for the blessing however. Of this much Seth was certain.
Feeling Sara’s pace slow, Seth refocused himself on the world outside his mind. Finding they were near the predetermined meeting point he too slowed his pace to match that of the woman he loved. They walked slowly, hand in hand, the last remaining steps to the corner of the castle wall. Stopping at the corner Seth and Sara took turns looking around to try and spot Ashton or Seth’s twin. It was a futile search as the street was now growing very crowded with people. The sun had passed its apex and people were out in masses ready for the evening’s festivities. Small booths were beginning to spring up in various locations down the street and people crowded around them. Seth had never seen so many people before in one place, the feeling made him a bit uneasy. Seth liked to keep an eye on people. Naturally he was a bit untrusting of others with a few exceptions. He found it difficult here to relax with so many people wandering around aimlessly. Feeling uneasy was a treatable ailment however, and Seth knowing well the drug he needed to ease himself, pulled Sara snugly into his arms. He held her there in a tight embrace gazing down into her liquid amber eyes. He was instantly soothed, the anxiety stirred by the crowd washed away leaving nothing but her eyes. Seth was an addict, and Sara was his drug of choice. Seth continued for some time gazing into Sara’s eyes, losing himself in their honey colored depths. The world unfocused around him and he was temporarily lost within her gaze.
“Have you no shame?” Garret hollered from a short distance. “You two have a room. Use it will you?” He joked loudly.
Seth pulled himself from the depths of Sara’s eyes and turned his head to watch his brother and his friend emerge from the crowd. Both Sara and Seth watched their companions approach, smiling to them in welcome. Releasing his grip on Sara, Seth again took her hand in his and they both turned to face their companions.
“How was your exploring?” Sara asked Garret in her angel’s voice.
“It was very informative. Thank you for asking.” Garret replied smiling.
“How about you Ashton? Was the visit to your temple a good one?” Sara again asked.
“Yes it was Sara.” Ashton answered, a boyish grin on his pale face. “The temple here is beautiful and many followers took time to speak with me. My mother’s description did not do it justice.” He added.
“What about you two did you visit any of the temples?” Garret asked both his twin and Sara.
“We visited them all briefly.” Sara answered honestly.
“How was it then?” Garret asked his gaze now fixed upon his twin. He knew well his brother’s distrust of the gods.
“It was much the same as yours I should think bro. It was very informative.” Seth answered with honesty but careful not to hint towards further detail.
“What do you suppose we should do now?” Garret again asked, looking as before towards his brother.
“I had thought to return to the inn to eat.” Seth stated making up his plans as he spoke.
“Do you not want to see the festivities brother?” Garret asked. “There will be plenty of food out here.” He added as if to persuade his twin.
“To be honest Garret I do not feel well, and I suspect that I would not be good company. I think I will return to the inn and retire early tonight, perhaps I can witness the festivities tomorrow.” Seth replied knowing well his ailment was of a mental nature rather than a physical one.
“You want us to join you?” Garret asked with real concern.
“No need for that. Enjoy the festivities, perhaps take note of some things you think I will enjoy and tomorrow you can show them to me.” Seth said knowing his brother did not want to return to the inn.
Garret nodded solemnly, realizing his brother’s mind was already made.
“Well if you are certain then I guess I will see you in the morning.” Garret stated and then added with a smile. “Don’t keep him up all hours of the night and wear him out too much Sara. We need him to feel rested tomorrow.”
Sara replied with a playful scowl, and waved as Garret and Ashton turned to once again join the masses of people milling about in the street. Watching them once again vanish among the crowd Sara turned to face Seth.
“Not feeling well? Perhaps I can perk you up a bit.” Sara stated as she stepped into Seth’s body.
Rising on her toes, Sara pressed her lips to Seth’s. She kissed him more passionately than was appropriate for a public place, but she cared not what others might think of the display. Letting her lips fall from his, she shrank back down off of her toes and took his hand in hers. Seth smiled appreciatively before turning to walk back the many blocks to the inn.
&n
bsp; Chapter 10
The Choosing
As they had planned Seth and Sara returned to the inn. They went immediately to the dining hall and waited for Felix to appear. As was customary Felix appeared shortly after their arrival, and they sent him to prepare for them a dish of his choosing. They spoke quietly from time to time often exchanging flirtatious smiles. When their food arrived they thanked Felix graciously and consumed their meals quickly. After they had finished they sat for a few moments relaxing. The inn was deserted of guests. Everyone had gone out to venture in the streets to enjoy the festivities. Felix returned shortly and accepted their compliments to his meal as he collected their plates. He left them once again alone in the dining hall taking with him their dirty dishes. A Bell rang somewhere in the building above them and it was followed shortly their after by Sasha striding quickly through the room. She smiled and waved to them in greeting as she passed heading for the lobby. Her muffled voice could be heard speaking to someone on the other side of the stone wall, and listening carefully Seth heard the inn’s door open once again after the voices had stopped. Sasha returned around the corner this time carrying a large leather sack in her hand. She brought it to the table and placed it at Seth’s side.
“A man has just delivered this for you Seth.” Sasha stated in her eloquent voice.
“Yes I was expecting it.” Seth replied honestly.
“Would you like me to have it taken to your room for you?” Sasha asked then, always the host.
“No thank you Sasha I can get it from here. However we plan to retire momentarily, could you see to it that we are not disturbed?” Seth asked.
“Certainly.” Sasha replied sharing a quick smile with Sara. “Well then if you will excuse me I have a lot to see to this evening.” Sasha said.
“Of course don’t let us keep you.” Sara answered quickly in her soft angelic voice.
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