It was enough for Frath. He opened the gate and stood aside. “Keep going down stairs and harm no one.” He grabbed the slave that had spoken. “You’re doing well. Help those that aren’t.” The man looked at Frath desperately, but did as ordered. Frath spoke loudly. “That goes for all of you. Help those who are weaker. We get out together.”
Erma led them out of the room and down the stairs. Under Frath’s intense gaze, all but five were gathered. “Those ones be dead,” a short, bearded man with a heavy accent claimed as he limped out with another man who looked to be his brother.
Frath shook his head in despair. “I just don’t understand people. It doesn’t make sense.” Pelya didn’t say anything, but she agreed with her father wholeheartedly. Frath took a deep breath and stood tall. “Let’s go then.” He led the last few down while Pelya followed with Aphry. The dancer’s eyes were blank and she did whatever she was told.
They were soon outside of the building. Many of the slaves had grabbed torches or lanterns to stave off the dark gloom. Frath walked forward to Erma. “Where can we take them? I don’t know this area as well as you.”
“The temple of Turqua can be reached easiest from here. The Goddess Turqua cannot bear children, so she nurtures those without homes,” Erma said, pointing to the right in the opposite direction of where the Rojuun had traveled.
“Is the path dangerous?” Frath asked.
“Of course. We are in the Forsaken City.”
Frath wiped his face with a hand. “Of course. Silly of me.” He turned to Pelya. “You’ll have to hand her to someone else to help. I need your sword, Daughter. I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Daddy.” Pelya handed Aphry over to a slave woman who came over and put Aphry’s arm over her shoulders.
“Erma, you and Pelya lead the group. I’ll keep an eye on the rear and flanks,” Frath suggested.
“I can take one flank and keep an eye on the front, Daddy.” Pelya stood as straight as she could. “I prefer the right flank. It’s easiest for me.”
Her father studied her for a moment before nodding. “Very well.” Then he squeezed her in a bear hug. “You be careful.”
“I will.” She drew her sword and took her place on the right side of the group, near the front. Erma gestured for the group to follow and led the way forward. Pelya looked back at the building that rose to the ceiling and the city above. A shiver ran through her body.
Chapter 22
The Goddess Turqua was one of the Van Gods and had eight temples dedicated to her within the city of Dralin. The one Erma led them to was built above a Temple of Turqua that had existed when the Forsaken City had been in its prime. The two temples connected to each other and the Priests of Turqua used both to help those who needed it.
Magical wards of protection surrounded the lower temple for a thousand feet in every direction. It had been a relief to reach it and see the magical lanterns illuminating the area. Pelya, Frath and Erma had fought off a few beasts during the journey, but nothing too deadly. It had been a long day though and they were grateful to turn the slaves over to helpful priests.
Pelya was sitting in a sparsely decorated room of the upper temple with Aphry next to her while Frath was talking to some of the archpriests about the circumstances that led them there. The slaves would be cared for and given new lives. Turqua’s followers had an infrastructure for moving people that was more extensive than any slaver’s.
Erma had taken her leave just before they reached the wards, hugging Frath and Pelya. The disturbed woman was very odd, but Pelya liked her.
“Are you ready to go?” Frath asked. He had come in while Pelya was lost in thought.
“Oh, yes. I’m ready.” Pelya stood, but Aphry caught her hand. There was a look of despair in the woman’s eyes.
“We have to leave her here,” Frath told Pelya gently.
There was something wrong with the decision that Pelya couldn’t quite figure out, but she was determined to go with her instincts. “I want to take her to the Temple of Reanna, Daddy. I think it’s very important, even though I don’t understand why.”
He thought about it for a moment and then nodded. “Alright. One of the archpriests offered a carriage for us to use.”
“That was nice of him. I put a couple of gold pieces in the donation bin, but I have a couple more I can put in.” Pelya reached for the pouch she had made sure to bring.
“He saw you put in the first gold pieces, which is probably why he offered the carriage.” Frath winked at her.
“Oh. I didn’t mean for anyone to see . . .”
Frath drew her into a hug and held her for a minute. “I know. That’s one of the many reasons you’re so wonderful.”
She held onto her father, very happy that he was proud of her. The remaining angst she had felt over the years and the belief that her father must hate her finally disappeared. “I’m sorry I’ve been so angry.”
He took her by the arms and met her eyes. “I’m sorry I haven’t noticed. Sometimes I get so involved in my own thoughts that I don’t always pay attention like I should.”
“It’s alright, Daddy. I know you’re busy a lot and that you need time to yourself to think. You’ve been the best father ever.” Pelya returned his gaze intently, wanting to make certain he knew how sincere her words were. “It’s hard to raise a child in Dralin and you’ve given me everything, including the biggest family any child has ever had by bringing me up in the Guard. I will always love and admire you more than anyone in the world.”
They hugged again. It was difficult for Pelya considering Aphry was still holding onto her hand. “Your carriage is ready,” a young woman’s voice said from the doorway.
Frath grabbed the packs with the logbooks while Pelya helped Aphry stand. They followed the acolyte through a series of hallways to a large courtyard. The sun was touching the horizon and its rays cast a golden light on the city. Pelya loved sunset in Dralin. It gave the city a false sense of glory and hope.
Acolytes and volunteers cared for a number of carriages, many donated by the wealthy after they purchased new ones. The Temple put their own insignia on them, but little more. The one the acolyte led them to was gaudy purple and rickety.
The ride was silent and it took more than an hour to reach the Temple of Reanna. The sun had set and only a dim glow remained in the western sky. City lights prevented true darkness from reigning and lanterns placed throughout the large temple, its courtyards and gardens kept it bright.
Pelya looked out the carriage window at the beautiful architecture of the building and the sun symbols everywhere. A central, domed tower had a tall spire with a sun atop it. Six other domes were atop towers in a circle around it and each of them had the sun spires as well.
They stopped in the same courtyard where Sir Imbra had taken her and Ebudae to his carriage a few days ago. It seemed like a lifetime ago by that point, so much had happened since. An acolyte of Reanna opened the door for them and Pelya helped Aphry out.
“Frath and Pelya Jornin, to what do we owe this pleasure?” the booming voice of Sir Imbra called out. The knight was coming down the main steps of the temple two at a time. He wore high quality, but understated clothes instead of the suit of armor.
“Hello, Sir Imbra,” Pelya replied. “I was hoping to get some assistance for my friend. I have money to donate.”
“But of course!” He reached them and clasped shoulders with Frath in a gesture of respect and friendship. Then he put a hand on Pelya’s shoulder. “What can we do for your friend today?” He took a better look at Aphry. “She doesn’t look well.”
The words rushed out of Pelya’s mouth. “This is my friend Aphry. She was with me when we saved those people in the warehouse, but Master Blavoci’s men imprisoned her and the rest of her troupe. She’s been tortured and needs help. Her husband, brother and all her friends are dead now and I’m afraid that Blavoci’s men might try to come after her again.”
“I see. Come insid
e and we’ll see what we can do to help.” He put a hand on her back and led them all up the stairs and inside the building. They walked down a long hall with rich marble columns and floors. Detailed statues were placed between columns on either side. “So you rescued another person. Knowing you, young Pelya, there were probably more slaves freed as well.”
Pelya blushed and looked down while her father chuckled and said, “Eighteen.” Frath didn’t mention the Rojuun.
Imbra burst into laughter, staggered a few steps to a nearby column and began smacking it with his palm. “You . . . you really did save more!” He gasped for breath and continued laughing. “I was just . . . just joking! How positively wonderful.”
Frath joined in the laughter while a pair of acolytes walked by with amused looks on their faces. Pelya looked down at her feet and tried to control the blush that was heating her face.
Sir Imbra gained control and came back over to put a hand on her back. “You truly are a brave and noble soul, Pelya Jornin, a rare beacon of light in a city that desperately needs such.”
“Hear, hear. I couldn’t agree more,” Frath replied.
“And you, Frath Jornin. Had you not so firmly vowed to raise your daughter, this city would be without that beacon.” Imbra looked Frath up and down. “I have kept my ears open and know of the quiet ways you help the people of this city as well. There is no doubt in my mind that you had something to do with this particular rescue as well.”
Frath didn’t respond to that, but his expression became somber. Pelya knew her father didn’t like compliments and didn’t think so highly of himself.
“Come, I’ll not embarrass you further. That was not my intention.” He guided Pelya forward again with Aphry hanging onto her other arm. “We shall take her to Healer Fusia. She’ll know what to do.”
Pelya said nothing as they turned right down another marbled hall that traveled in a great circle through all the outer towers. At the second tower, Imbra escorted them into a large room with three dozen beds. Less than half had patients in them. More rooms surrounded that, each having four sets of bunk beds for the sick.
“Healer Fusia,” Imbra called out to a short, older woman who was instructing acolytes in the care of a patient. He was wise enough to keep his voice down.
She turned at his words. “Sir Imbra. Is there a reason you’re disturbing my patients?”
“It is one of my greatest joys in life. You should know that by now.” He grinned mischievously.
Healer Fusia put fists on her hips and glared at him, but only for a moment before laughing lightly. “You are a terrible person, no matter how brightly Reanna’s divine light may shine on you.” She came over to the group. “What do we have here? This woman looks to have been tortured.” Fusia gestured up and down the length of Aphry.
Pelya answered, “She was, Your Holiness. She was falsely imprisoned and tortured. To make matters worse, her husband and brother were killed as were friends.” Pelya took a deep breath. “Her life will be in danger from the men that harmed her. They may want to make an example since she escaped.
“And why have you brought her to this temple?” Healer Fusia stepped forward and ran a hand down Aphry’s face. The tortured woman made no move to resist.
“Because . . .” Pelya didn’t know. “I just . . .” They all stared at her, curious about the answer, except Aphry who was leaning into the gentle hand stroking her cheek. “It was a feeling that if I took her anywhere else, she might die or be hurt even worse. If I brought her here, she would be safe and have the opportunity to heal. I can’t even tell you how I came to believe that.”
Healer Fusia leaned forward, looking up into Pelya’s eyes. “Interesting.” She stepped back and took a hold of Aphry’s hand. “You were correct. Leave her with me and go on about your business.” The old woman pulled Aphry to one of the smaller rooms, ignoring the rest of them from that point on.
“Interesting?” Pelya asked no one in particular. “What in the world does that mean?”
Imbra chuckled. “She’s like that. Your friend is in the best hands, so don’t worry about her.” His expression became somber. “In truth, I’m glad you came here. There is someone you both need to talk to.” He gestured for them to follow. “Perhaps Reanna herself has a hand in things.”
“Hmm.” Frath frowned, but they followed the knight.
They walked along the circular hallway some more, travelling to the next tower. Pelya looked around at the ornate decorations and statues lining the walls. “Reanna is one of the Hushed Gods, isn’t she?” Both men halted in their tracks and Pelya had to keep from running into the knight.
“Where did you hear about the Hushed Gods, young lady?” Frath asked. Both men folded their arms and stared at her as if she were in trouble.
She responded quickly, both perturbed and worried about the stances they took. “From a book. I read a lot, Daddy. Why are you both looking at me like I’ve done something wrong?”
“Because I’ve kept you away from religion,” Frath said with a growl. “Churches force people to worship them and punish you if you refuse.”
The statement startled Sir Imbra. “Where did you hear that? I swear to you that no servant of Reanna has ever done such a thing.”
“No . . . I mean others . . .” Frath stammered, realizing he risked offending the knight.
“Daddy was raised in an orphanage where priests whipped him and any other child that didn’t swear fealty,” Pelya explained.
“Where did you hear that?” her father asked sharply.
“U . . . Uncle Bobbell told me. He said you were the only one who ever refused and that you were punished a lot.” Pelya felt tears sting her eyes at the thought of her father suffering when he was young.
“That’s not your business, Pelya, and you are not to share my personal matters with anyone else,” Frath told her.
She hung her head and wished she could be anywhere else. “I’m sorry.”
“Here now, she didn’t mean any harm,” Imbra said with a calming hand on Frath’s arm.
Frath ran a hand over his face. “I know. I’m not mad, just . . .” He shook the feeling off. “What book did you read and what else did it say?”
Pelya definitely didn’t want to answer that question. She also didn’t want to lie to him. “It doesn’t matter.” She turned to Imbra. “You said someone wanted to see us.”
Regrettably, it wouldn’t be that easy. Both men folded their arms again. Sir Imbra said, “I’d also like to know which book you read. There are many books about different gods, but the phrase ‘Hushed Gods’ is rare, largely because those particular gods don’t like anyone mentioning them.”
“But I’ve never heard the terms Unreal Gods, Van Gods or Crazed Gods either.”
Imbra took her by the arms. “What book did you read?”
They were beginning to frighten Pelya. “It was a gold and silver book in a temple in the ruins,” she blurted. “Ebudae and I read it while we were exploring one day.”
“Where was this temple? Can you lead me to it?” Imbra asked. He gave her an excited shake.
“Please let go of my daughter,” Frath said. There was a hint of a threat in the words.
The knight let her go immediately, spreading his arms wide. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright,” Frath said, knowing the knight meant no harm. “I’m very curious about this temple too. What have you and Ebudae been doing down in those ruins?”
“Exploring.” Pelya shrugged and looked for an escape route, but they were determined to get the information from her. “We have a good system and we’re extremely careful. I promise.” Her father stared at her with narrowed eyes. She sighed. “There’s an academy under Lady Pallon’s house. We use that as our base and explore out from it. A few years ago we found some maps of the way that city used to be.”
“I’d like to see those,” Imbra and Frath said at the exact same time. They frowned at each other suspiciously.
“The te
mple is to the north of the academy. We traveled pretty far that day, but we were very careful,” Pelya said, reiterating their caution. “The doors opened easily for us and it was beautiful inside with perfect statues and even tapestries lining the walls, so we figured it was right next to a pillar holding up the city.”
“I definitely want to see this place,” Imbra said in a hushed voice. “Go on.”
“More doors opened up for us before we even got to them. It made us nervous, but we didn’t have bad feelings like the times when a hidden danger would raise the hair on our necks.” Pelya took a deep breath, thankful that they weren’t interrupting to chastise her, but not wanting to go on. “In the center of a small circular room was a pedestal with a book that had silver and gold throughout the binding. When we walked up to it, the book opened.”
“There are magical books that can reach out and make people read them. They can even take over your mind.” Frath looked worried.
Pelya tried to figure out whether or not the book was still in her mind. “No . . . I think maybe it did while we were reading it, but it didn’t keep us.” Instead of comforting her father, he seemed even more stressed, so she continued. “The book was about the energies of chaos that flow through the universe around Ryallon and how they affect magic and helped to create the Gods. Then it defined the Gods and their place in Ryallon. It didn’t name them though.” Pelya considered mentioning the chapter on dragons, but the dragon mark on her back protested, so she kept quiet.
The men stared at her in shock. “That’s . . . I want very much to see that book. Will you please show me when we have the opportunity?” Sir Imbra asked.
“I don’t want her going back down there,” Frath said.
“Daddy, Ebudae and I have been going down there forever. You can’t tell me not to go there now!”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Well . . . maybe you can, but it would be silly.” Pelya mentally kicked herself for such a weak argument.
Ebudae Page 25
