Chapter 640 A tense welco
Youve fought so magnificent creatures. I wouldnt say no, Trian said.
Ill show you the collection later, Claire said. Though it might not help with your ongoing issue of Lilith.
What issue? Ilea asked.
Your reputation, Trian said with a sigh. Im glad youve been around a little more lately. The Sentinels might even believe youre human. The citizens of Ravenhall however? Maybe not so much.
She just waved him off. I dont see the issue. Let them believe the mystery.
You wont say that once they actually start to form a cult and do things in your na, Trian said.
Were keeping an eye on it, Claire said. Plenty of people are employed by Lilith and theres enough known about you that most people understand the less mythical background. But so opinions cant be changed.
Will I have to deal with the sa shit as adow?
As soon as the gates are ready, Ill just send them north, Ilea said.
Claire glanced at her but chose not to say anything.
So why did you call for ? Trian asked.
Ilea displaced herself a bottle of local ale from Claires bar. She gave the woman a questioning look and opened it once Claire nodded lightly.
Thanks. Well I had another idea. Its not particularly spectacular but with the funding we can provide, it might actually be helpful. The Sentinels are better than I hoped, especially after such a short ti. Obviously we can only take people in who are ready to brace the training, only those who have a clear goal to beco healers or adventurers.
Now with how much people restrict information about magic and Classes, I thought it nice to have a magic school or college here where people could learn, mostly for free.
Thats a massive undertaking, Claire said. More trained mages of all kinds would benefit Ravenhall as a whole, that much is obvious. Gold isnt an issue either. Not with how things have progressed with both Ravenhall and Morhill. Let alone if the teleportation gate project is as promising as it sounds.
Neither nor Claire have ti to set it up however, Trian said.
William maybe? Ilea asked. He knows a lot of shadows and has experience giving lectures.
Claire shook her head. He has his hands full too. With the Shadowguard, Shadows, and even Sentinels. He will be a good resource to ask for contacts, teachers, and organizational structures. Dagon and Elise will be able to supply a lot of teaching materials. Sulivhaan will be happy for so Shadow funding too. Your wealth and influence has been growing. I think a bit of balance there might be good for everyone.
Dont think Kyrian would be interested either, Trian said. He might want to teach Sentinels but with how powerful he is now his talents would be wasted on lower level Classes. Finding teachers wont be an issue either. Plenty of adventurers look for ways to retire. Teaching is sowhat easy, just not very well paid usually. We can change that.
I have an idea already as to the building we could use. Ill get in touch with the librarians and William, Claire said.
So we just need a good match to take over the project, Ilea said with a smile. Noble or ex military would be nice. Ill think about who could be interested. Let know if you find soone as well.
An academy providing free magic knowledge and training will create an uproar with nobility in the plains, Claire said.
More so than a healing organization? Ilea asked.
Nobles care for their secrets and the balance of power, Trian said. They dont care about a few new healers. Well, they will once they understand that Sentinels arent exactly comparable to a conventional Order healer. I dont know if it would be quite as difficult as you think, Claire. As long as we dont share knowledge and training noble houses claim as their own.
Difficult to say. Ill run the idea by the other council mbers and hear what they have to say. Sulivhaan will agree, knowing him. Dagon might not be a fan of sharing all that knowledge with everyone but as long as we pay him the requested fee, he wont complain, Claire said.
Ill send a few letters to Virilya. Maybe I can gauge a possible reaction, Trian said.
Thanks, Ilea said with a smile.
Is it alright if I think of ways for the Academy to pay for itself? Without the students having to pay basic fees of course, Claire asked.
Academy. I like it, Ilea said. Of course. Just dont keep knowledge away from them. Honorary titles or donations maybe. But I guess we need a reputation first for that to work.
We have plenty of reputation to throw around, Claire said with a smile.
Ilea nodded absentmindedly. Maro? No, all he wanted was to be free of responsibilities. I wonder where he is anyway. Guess Ill find out when the cults he forms spread far enough through the lands.
Lord Harken or another Baralia noble? Eh dont really want an ex slaver to be part of Ravenhalls decision makers.
Could might be worth a shot.
Got soone in mind? Trian asked.
Ilea waved her hand sideways. Shot in the dark, she said. Im sure well find so people though. No ti constraint anyway.
Well if we know anything about you, its that you can conjure up allies from the most unexpected of places, Trian said with a laugh.
Think Ill visit Halstein first though, see what kind of trap they set up for , Ilea said and stood up.
Claire sighed. Not a week without a diplomatic incident.
No wonder you havent gotten bored yet, Ilea said, jumping out of the window.
_____________________
Donnavon looked at his reflection in the small mirror, the warm candle light casting shadows on his face. Your age is showing, he thought, brushing his long white hair back before saying a short prayer. He cleaned his hands and sighed. Today could very well be the most important day of his life.
He checked his gown and slipped into his comfortable shoes. One of the few luxuries he allowed himself. There were no rules against such, especially being a High Cleric, but he thought it hypocrisy. To pray to Friede and live a life of luxury. Do not judge your brothers and sisters. They are as devoted as you.
Donnavon had thought that perhaps the latest struggles the Corinth Order had gone through were rely a test. A sign that they had left the ways of Hella and Friede. It was not his position to judge them. The gods would guide their way, one way or another. He would trust their guidance. May you protect from the evil of this world, he murmured, one hand to his heart as he closed his eyes.
A knock on the door signaled that it was ti.
High Cleric, may I enter? the voice of a young man ca from the other side. One that made Donnavon smile.
Co in Bryce, he said.
The young Paladin entered gracefully, all his movents a testant to his power and expertise in battle. The heavy white plate armor hardly seed to bother him, long blond hair falling down his back. He went down to one knee as soon as he had entered.
[Divine Paladin lvl 305]
Donnavon felt pride swell up in his heart. Stand, Bryce. You do not need to kneel before . It is you who goes into the wilderness to battle the creatures who would seek our death. I am rely a servant, healing those in need and tending to this temple.
Bryce looked up and smiled. You are far too humble. Im only giving you the respect you deserve, he said and stood up, closing the door behind him. You know why I ca.
The fateful eting. Yes, Donnavon said.
You dont have to be the one to et with her. Let go in your stead, the warrior said.
Donnavan touched the mans shoulder and shook his head. It must be . Let show her the heart of our Order and what we stand for.
What if the rumors are true? What if the songs hold rit? What if she truly is a monster corrupted by evil, selfishly purging those she deems unworthy or unjust? Bryce asked.
Those are not the full truths of what I learned of her. Has she not helped free Ravenhall of the demonic plague? Has she not fought in Virilya, alongside the imperial army? Her exploits in Baralia do not tell of a monster, not entirely at least, Donnavon said.
The Paladin gave him a doubtful look. Songs can easily be bought, information spread by those who won the war. You know how much influence her gold has bought. It reaches all the way to Riverwatch. The Inquisitors whisper that even in Dawntree, she funnels in her wealth.
And how often have we done the sa? I wonder, Donnavon thought. He had faith in his brothers and sisters in the Order but it couldnt be denied that he was kept out of important discussions, their deanor colder by the year. He wondered if it would be different, if Wurt were still alive.
If we are to et her, it has to be with an open mind. And if she truly is the monster so many in our Order deem her to be, we need you to be ready. You and everyone else. Her influence cannot be understated. We cannot allow a monster to lead an order of healers. We both know this, but we must prevent further bloodshed. So many of our own have died already, Donnavon said.
Bryce put on his helt and gave him a nod. Hella be with you, Donnavon. I will pray that our intervention wont be needed.
Donnavon smiled. He didnt miss that Bryce had failed to ntion Friede. Today he chose not point it out. The principles of devotion and sacrifice carried a different weight before eting a monster after all, especially the latter.
Will you et her here? Bryce asked, turning back once again.
In the eastern temple. Her welco has been prepared. These grounds have been deed too plain to welco soone of her reputation, Donnavon explained. He was surprised the Paladin didnt know about it.
Bryce? Trouble in the north. Break in. A few wounded and culprits on the run, a female voice said, the heavy steps of another Paladin resounding in the hall.
Naomi. Lower your voice, Bryce said. Were on holy grounds.
Of course, apologies High Cleric, the woman said, bowing to Donnavon when she saw them step out into the hall.
Bryce turned to Donnavon one last ti and touched his shoulder, not saying another word before he left towards the open gate.
Naomi looked after her fellow Paladin before she glanced at the High Cleric. I, she started, looking at the walls before she turned back to him. May Friede and Hella bless you today.
Donnavon bowed his head lightly before he followed, only catching a glance of the Paladins as they spread their wings, flying northward. Paladins of the Corinth Order hunting after petty thieves. They could be doing so much more. It was a battle for another day, Donnavon thought, greeting the Inquisitors waiting for him.
He prayed for his protectors. None would have dared lay their hands on a healer of the Corinth Order even ten years ago but tis were changing. Refugees from the west and now Baralia had flooded Halstein. Desperation pushing people to do unspeakable things. It was these people that needed help the most but he would not deny reality. Other mbers have already been abducted, either to work for criminals or be forced to join a team of adventurers quickly leaving the city. It was why the Orders had been ford, why healers needed to be part of one.
The walk was swift, Donnavon healing a few people who noticed his white gown. His guards didnt interfere this ti, though not open for conversation either, as per usual.
Lilith has arrived! a young teen shouted to one of his friends, the two running off to see the legendary healer.
Never has she set foot into this city and yet the people think her a savior, Donnavon thought. Did she co to answer our summons? Or to bring her influence and power down onto our weakened Order?
He had hoped the creature would not arrive for a few more weeks, though perhaps it was a good sign for her to arrive so quickly. Were not just an afterthought to her.
They arrived at the eastern temple ten minutes later, Donnavon looking at the high reaching building of marble. White and red banners had been hung, a rich carpet rolled out all the way onto the street. Inquisitors and Paladins patrolled the area, sending away those seeking help. All for a pretentious welco, Donnavon thought, gritting his teeth as he deliberately avoided the carpet.
His temple was plain but what they did to this building seed almost preposterous. One might think they were a military order, and not one ant to heal. He endured it, if it was to receive an important guest whose cooperation may be vital to the future of their order. He had volunteered, as had others but it was him the Speaker chose.
Welco, High Cleric Donnavon, Emilia said, most of her face covered by the white hood she wore, her hair hidden below.
Greetings, High Cleric Emilia, Donnavon said, bowing lightly. He wondered why none of the other High Clerics had co. Perhaps it was a security concern. Though surely, with all these guards? Nobody would be foolish enough to start a battle here.
A few of the present paladins were above level two hundred after all, a might even a group of Shadows wouldnt want to challenge. He looked up to one of the banners, sunlight reflecting off the perfectly white fabric. What if its all true? An army could not stop her. Who are we to stand against her?
He closed his eyes in prayer, feeling his heart waver at the unknown.
Ridiculous, isnt it? Emilia said. Are we not beyond these petty displays of wealth and power?
Donnavon looked at her and smiled. We must speak in a language those around us understand. If this is what is necessary, then so be it.
I hadnt expected you of all people to give up on our principles so easily, the woman retorted, giving him a look of pity. I shall pray for your safety, High Cleric. May you pave a way for our continued prosperity.
They bowed to each other, the woman remaining near the entrance as Donnavon entered the temple. He was still being escorted by the inquisitors, the two leading him through the halls and down to the extensive basent. Paladins and Inquisitors alike nodded his way as he passed, so saying short prayers or words of encouragent. He could feel the tension in the air. Obvious of course, considering the guest.
I wonder if there was any prosperity in the last few decades, he thought, entering the large windowless room, a luxurious wooden table and two leather chairs standing within.
Any reason this eting isnt happening on the ground floor? he asked one of the Inquisitors.
Im afraid it would be a security concern, High Cleric. Should Lilith be hostile, our chances will be significantly better with her down here. Defensive enchantnts protect the whole temple, but especially this room, the man explained.
Donnavon sighed, sitting down in the chair. He could faintly see the magic flowing through the walls. There hardly is a more dangerous place to face a monster. Friede, be with .
He ditated for a while until a Paladin entered, setting down a tray. A tea pot rested on a heating plate with two mugs next to it.
She will arrive shortly, the Paladin said.
Excited for battle? Donnavon thought, unsure how he should categorize the inflation in her voice.
He waited, the Paladins steps soon replaced by those of several people walking along the hallway.
Your conversation will of course be secure. Various enchantnts were placed in the room. Im sure you would understand the precautions, Emilia said, her voice coming closer.
Of course, a female voice answered, the tone almost sounding bored.
They stepped inside a mont later, Emilia followed by a woman dressed in normal black cotton pants and a white shirt. She neither wore armor nor did she show the horns and wings ntioned in many songs and stories.
Donnavon was a little taken aback by just how normal this woman looked. He wondered for a mont if they had sent a lookalike but the idea seed utterly ridiculous to him. And they wouldve done checks.
[Battle Healer lvl ??]
He smiled, knowing that she was well over level three hundred. Higher than Bryce by at least ten levels, maybe even more. She was the real one. Lilith. Black hair fell down her back, open but orderly.
If you require anything else, just knock on the door, Emilia said with a smile and stepped out, the heavy stone gate closing shut a mont later.
Lilith turned around, brushing a hand against the door as she looked at the walls. She finally plopped down on the chair in a casual manner and smiled, piercing blue eyes focusing on Donnavon.
Welco to Halstein, Lilith, of the dic Sentinel Corps, he said, copying her smile. This was not at all what he had expected. If anything she looked like a young rural woman, visiting Halstein for the first ti. I do hope your trip was safe.
Youre not aware, are you? she asked, leaning forward slightly.
What do you an? Donnavon asked.
Liliths smile broadened. Oh no. I an I heard you had a goddess of sacrifice or sothing but this just seems cruel.
Reviews
All reviews (0)