The Warlord and The Priestess

[Morigan]

"I was praying at the altar, I had just finished and was about to allow Ithet time for her own prayers and the voices of the BloodWell whispered in my mind, so agitated, getting worse and worse and then suddenly vanished," she pressed a finger to the space between her eyes for a moment, remembering. "Immediately after, the arrow struck..." she trailed off as she looked at the worried faces around her. "I assumed this was a normal effect of the BloodWell ceremony..."

 

[4Chiri]

"This....hasn't happened before." said the mother.


Archbishop shook his head.


"it has. but....in the records it was nearly four-hundred years ago."


The prophetess scoffed.


"you aren't suggesting that--


Moganthe stepped up once more,


"if any of you know what's happening with the Priestess tell us so she's not left in confusion." he stated quite sternly. "either that or a healer."


he turned to her with a concerned look.


"are you alright? do you need to lie down?" he asked.


The Mother stepped in between Melia and Moganthe.


"You're too concerned, she's in our care, you needn't be so involved."


He stood defensively, and though by this point he should've held his tongue, he didn't.


"She IS my priority."

 

[Morigan]

Melia would have placed her hand on Moganthe's arm to calm him if such an act would not have ruined both their lives. Instead she just looked into his eyes for a moment, trying to convey her appreciation as best she could.


"Please...don't worry, any of you. I will be well," she looked at the Archbishop. "If this is not normal, I'd like to know what is happening to me."

 

[4Chiri]

The mother and Moganthe glared at each other for a lingering moment then both took a step back.


The Prophetess and Archbishop hesitated.


"Perhaps you should save that conversation for Palme, the Inperial City Historian and Grand Headmaster of the University. He could tell you a more unbiased opinion." the archbishop stated.


"so you're allowing him to leave then? without punishment?" The Mother huffed.


"This warlord is hostile. clearly put. He should be lashed. at least a few times, send him back to the Emperor with complaint."


"I did nothing wrong. I followed his commands precisely. if i would have to give my life for the priestess I would. gladly." he spoke, staring into the mother once again.


"Priestess control your guard." The Archbishop said.

 

[Morigan]

"Enough!" she said loudly amidst the bickering that had suddenly sprung up. She held each person's gaze, one at a time, and let them feel the weight of displeasure from her stare.


"Ceru forgive you all for lingering on these trivialities when whispers of conflict are spreading through this land!" SHe shook her head slightly in disappointment.


"Mother, with things continuing as they are, Warlord Moganthe may very well have to sacrifice his life, and that will be enough to satisfy your thirst for 'punishment' I think. And Archbishop if you will please recall that he is not an animal to be controlled but rather a servant of the gods dedicating his life to the protection of the faith I would greatly appreciate it."


She sighed and returned her voice to it's neutral state. "Now, I believe we must leave at once for Palma, and then continue to Raxis after we have solved the issue of the BlodWell. I am willing to listen to your advice on this," she said to them all.

 

[4Chiri]

They all immediately silenced.


Archbishop sighed and nodded, "you will want to go back to the city milady. ignore any more of these 'voices' for now...until you speak to Palme."


He informed.


Moganthe nodded.


"no doubt there will be more of these assassins on the road. perhaps even in the city."


The Prophetess agreed, "yes, you should be more vigilant warlord. I trust in your abilities as long as the priestess does."


He stood for a moment, quite tired of the conversation and bowed to them all.


"....I cannot prevent attacks from happening, but I can prevent the priestess from harm. if you'll excuse me..I will prepare for our departure." he said and excused himself quickly from the room.


The mother huffed once more and shook her head.


"my opinion still stands. and if I wasn't in my right mind, I'd say you defend him too thoroughly milady. thus it should be YOU to punish him. I trust you will." she


said and, she too, left.

 

[Morigan]

Melia said nothing as the Mother commented and left, choosing to remain silent and still lest she make the situation worse. Did she defend him too readily? She could not say...the rules of her station prevented any close bond with another person, but she could not bear to think of him punished more than his injuries already did for things beyond his control. The Mother had said she must punish him herself and Melia knew she could not. Surely they did not seriously expect her to administer lashes to her own protector? However the thought of Moganthe without his shirt, before her once more... Ceru forgive me, Architect guide me. What is wrong with me? She worried silently.


Out loud she simply said "I shall go make preparations as well. It seems we must be off once more."

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet stood at the ready while the Archbishop led both women to the exit.


"The mother is right priestess, From the first attack, you were harmed. Moganthe slightly failed in his duty to protect you. we should collect him and have you administer punishment...however I can see his determination."


he folded his hands in front of him as they reached the foyer. cold from the outside brushing in around them. Moganthe already had the carriage ready outside the door.


"I know the Emperor would be cross for unpresidented punishment...therefor...I will leave that up to you...should you decide so in the future."


Ithet went outside to help Moganthe prepare the carriage further. previously in the early dawn, he'd already replenished their victuals.


"Have a safe trip milady, to the city. I shall tell these citizens that there was a slight change of schedule for your evening sermon." he breathed lightly.


Moganthe and Ithet waited outside, ready to leave.

 

[Morigan]

Melia bowed her head at his words, but again insisted, "I will not allow it, I see no wrongs committed." Let them think what they will, I will do as I believe is fitting she thought to herself.


She made her way to the door and turned only once to look back. "Blessing upon you this day Archbishop," she said before climbing into the carriage again, with Ithet close behind.

 

[4Chiri]

as soon as she was inside and the door was shut and locked, they pulled off...


For a few minutes there was silence. Inside were new blankets, and thicker curtains. everything had been cleaned, not a speck of lint in sight.


"Milady...I think you conducted yourself very well..." Ithet mumbled. "all of those figures basically attacked you...you have very good self control."

 

[Morigan]

"Bless you for saying that Ithet," she smiled wearily, removing her cowl and veil now that they were safely out of sight again. "Though I often feel I am letting my temper rule me when I should not. But those who chose me for this knew me and so I can not doubt their choice." She leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes, breathing deeply for a few moments. "Perhaps when I have been doing this a bit longer, others will question me less..."


A few moments more passed while Melia pulled out her book, a history of sculpture in the region. "Once again we are off, in a hurry. Though not for any ceremony this time."

 

[4Chiri]

"if you need to rest, just tell the warlord. I'm sure he can find some Inn. apparently the village Windpeak is nearby....cold however." she sighed.


"All of the Mothers and Bishops...and the others...they're all at least thirty years older than you are...you're the youngest priestess yet!...perhaps that is why they doubt your choices."

 

[Morigan]

"Indeed. If I could make myself age into respectability I would. However I am not able to do so, so I must deal with what I am given."


She paused for a moment again. "Would you like us to stop for the evening?" She moved to put her veil on once more in order to speak with Moganthe.

 

[4Chiri]

she stifled a yawn.


"...well....I didn't sleep well. I keep thinking about the road..and if we are really safe. The warlord can't possibly protect us from everything." she sighed, still nervous from the attack before.


"I trust him but....has HE even slept?"

 

[Morigan]

"Your words are wise, Ithet. I'll ask him if we can stop for the night," Melia said.


She turned and knocked on the window, "Warlord Moganthe?" she called. "Is there a place we might stop overnight? Ithet suggests an Inn at a place called Windpeak."

 

[4Chiri]

"Windpeak is an hours way from here milady, we will rest there if you wish." he said, and that was all.


Ithet sighed.


"....do you think....the prophets would really cause some sort of...struggle? the war with Melona just ended not but a few years ago." she worried.


The carriage then slowed to an em unexpected stop and there was a conversation.


Ithet suddenly quieted.


"there's a merchant been rolling 'round here. says he was up near vanilla path through Agrith. saw a pack of wolves." said a man.


"Has Agrith taken care of it?"


"I don't know, you know they're still vying for a count. Emperor said he was gonna go there himself to conduct an election...but with the skirmish on the outskirts of the Magyan, he's indecisive."


"..what skirmish?"


"a faction of mercenaries banned under their own flag. a league of upstarts went unmonitored." said the mans voice.


Moganthe huffed.


"Thank you for the message...but I'm headed to Windpeak now. I've got weary passengers. Why wasn't I told sooner?"


"Emperor says you were too busy. Nheir sends his regard...and they've got platoon already headed out. apparently Veregraf is full of the bandits."


after a swift moment the conversation was over and the carriage continued.

 

[Morigan]

"Well that sounds...disconcerting," Meila commented softly. "Troubles arise in all corners of our Empire now. I'm sure the Emperor will be needing Warlord Moganthe back at his side if things get any worse," she said slowly. "I wonder who will be assigned to us then."


She rested her head again silently, hoping the hour would pass quickly and they could rest well tonight.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet eventually nodded off as the ride went slowly on. the sun was bright however...it wasn't enough to cut through the cold, permeating even the thick wool curtains.


the horse would sigh, birds would call, the air would whistle, but other than that there were no sounds; save for another passing wagon filled with children.


Soon they passed through a homely looking wooden gate and the sounds of a small village echoed in the cold air.


"Ah welcome to Windpeak!" said a greeter and once people noticed the crest outside the carriage, a crowd then formed with whispers and calls.

 

[Morigan]

Melia heard someone welcome them to Windpeak, and she moved to gently shake Ithet awake. "We have arrived, Ithet. I'm sure we'll be at the Inn soon."


She moved to gather up their things from inside the coach and to get payment ready for the Inn. While she moved silently inside she heard some of the calls and murmurs that began to swell around the carriage as it moved through town. Hopefully they would have no trouble in this small town.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet opened her eyes and yawned gathering her things and helping Melia with her cowl and veils.


However the carriage stopped, but Moganthe didn't open the doors.


there was at least ten minute pause until he came. with a key.


"ladies," he started, "I've purchased two rooms on the top floor. my room next to yours." he said as a stable hand took the carriage away, when they exited.


He then led them into the inn and up the stairs, to the largest room.


Two hot meals already prepared on the small table.


"My room is right next to yours." he said again and quickly left, without a chance for conversation.

 

[Morigan]

"Well, that was brief," Melia said bemusedly. She turned back to Ithet, "I guess we'd better go on up then, yes?"


They followed him upstairs where the smell of food greeted her senses. She was about to ask where the third plate was when Moganthe vanished out the door again. "Well, I suppose he'll be eating elsewhere then..." She moved to the table and motioned Ithet to do the same. "We shouldn't let it get cold and go to waste." Melia began to remove her veil so that she could eat.


"Oh, would you mind making sure the door is locked please?" she asked her hand maid before she fully removed her headwear. When Ithet checked that the door was locked and secure, the two ate their meals in silence. After they had finished Melia looked at Ithet once more. "You may go explore the town if you wish, and the Warlord thinks it is safe here. I will be passing the rest of this day here I think," she said.

 

[4Chiri]

Ithet smiled and hurried eating.


"thank you milady, I'll be sure to come back before it's dark." she said and quickly left.


leaving Melia alone.


a small crowd surrounded the inn. some people even boarded rooms just to be near the priestess.


after a few hours, Moganthe again had raised his voice.


"Get away from here!" he snapped. "go on! no one is allowed on the second floor."


"but sir, we just want to see the good priestess!"


"I said no, now leave." he said standing outside her door. "the priestess is resting."

 

[Morigan]

Melia sighed as she heard the raised voices. She had just been drifting off to sleep and did not want to get up yet, but she knew it was her duty to see these people and bestow her blessings on them.


She rose slowly, covered her head and face once more and unlocked her door. "It's okay Warlord Moganthe, I will see these good people now. Surely there can not be that many of them, I think?" She asked softly.

 

[4Chiri]

He looked back at her for a moment. A small crowd was down in the main waiting room of the inn.


"...half the town, if that's a lot to you." he said. "only if you're sure...my priestess."

 

[Morigan]

"Half the town?" she repeated, so soft it was only a faint whisper. The thought of that much more time before a real rest was available was daunting to her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she looked up at Moganthe and met his blue eyes steadily. "You have your duties, and I have mine. I can not ignore these people for my own comfort. I will see them one at a time, please."