Book 3 Chapter 1

The morning sun shone down through the hallowed windows of the Water Temple as the people streamed through its walkways and into the main hall. Water flowed through the carefully crafted aqueducts alongside them, collecting into the massive central pool that was the sanctuary

The Believers gathered within the water happily… The adults chatting as they met with old and new friends. The children played, splashing each other as they laughed and ran. There was a sense of excitement in the air as they waiting for the morning’s mass to start, mostly due to the rumors that he would appear today.

Not long after the great bell that hung at the top of the temple started to ring, It’s melodic voice echoing through the halls as the believers quieted took their places. As they watched the priests of the Water Temple streamed out, taking their places along the balconies overlooking the pool.

An excited murmur ran through the crowd as a beautiful young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes appeared. She carried an air of dignity as she approached the podium, dressed in richly colored dark blue robes lined with gold trim. As she smiled down at them, everyone thought that she truly deserved her title as the Holy Priestess.

The other priests moved aside, bowing to her as she passed, she nodded in greeting to them as she reached the podium, smiling once more at those waiting before turning back to motion behind her waved behind her. A young boy appeared as he trailed after her, his steps slow and deliberate.

As Tirr approached the podium with Nerida, the watching crowd could not help but gasp and cheer at the sight of the young god. Dressed in robes styled after those of the water priests, His hair combed and styled, he looked even more regal than the holy priestess. He gave a small wave and smile which only increased their fervor, which continued until Nerida asked for them to calm as she started the mass.

She led them in the starting prayers, chanting along with the crowd. Water collected around her as the sigil on her chest shone brightly. The water spread over the believers, falling like rain as they chanted with her, praying wholeheartedly to the Water Spirit and their new God…

It had been a month since the battle at the border… Tirr had stayed in Lutel since then, working to convert the shard users over to his Blessing while helping Nerida solidify his place within Lutel’s religion.

Maria and Torvus had stayed with him though Torvus tended to wander off on his own… Claire had wanted to stay but had been dragged back to Rasor by her brother. And so the days had passed, though he had never forgotten his deal with Torvus.

As the morning mass finished, Nerida took his hand and led the way as they left, leaving the rest to the other priests. As they got out of sight Tirr had to stop himself from running with joy as they headed back up to their rooms. As they arrived he was met with a happy Garm who shook off Charyb, Nerida’s Starfish, who he had just been wrestling with to run at the young god.

Maria sat nearby reading and looked up to smile at their entrance. Tirr caught the young wolf cub as he walked in proudly, his head start to rise arrogantly.

Maria laughed at the sight of him, “I guess the morning went well then?”

“Of course!” Nerida answered cheerfully as she collected the Starfish in a bubble of water. It cried excitedly at the sight of her, complaining about the wolf. “The Lord has grown more and more popular by the day. People have come far and wide since he started appearing during mass.”

Tirr nodded proudly as he grabbed so food off the nearby table, stuffing his mouth as Garm whined for some of his own.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Maria’s smile faded a bit as she spoke, “Claire sent word that they should be arriving tonight…”

“Does Torvus know?” Tirr asked seriously…

“I’m sure he’ll find out somehow, Nerida answered dismissively, “I still think this should be held off for at least another year…”

“No…” Tirr said shaking his head as he held Garm. “I promised Torvus, besides the Confederation needs to pay, and tonight is the night we decide how…”