She wrapped her arms around herself. Inari’s words had sparked doubt in her, revealing a horrible truth she hadn’t wanted to consider. The judiciaries had been quick enough to dismiss what both she and Tristan had seen. If he was right, they would have to tread carefully. But perhaps it was already too late…
Even so, she hoped Tristan could find something, anything, to help Fynn.
Aloisia waited at Temple Green, pacing around in circles along the edge of the grass at its heart. Priests wandered throughout the square, some dashing between the Temple and the other buildings along its borders, others lounging in the grass. As far as she knew, the complex of buildings separate from the Temple were further lodgings for the priests along with study rooms. Tristan had been fortunate a room had become available within the Temple itself, where the better accommodations lay.
“Huntress Aloisia,” a priest addressed her, calling her attention. “Well met.”
Aloisia inclined her head as he bowed to her. “Well met, Brother. What can I do for you?”
The priest gave a warm smile. “Brother Tristan has been delayed. I have been asked to lead you inside whilst you wait.”
“That’s not necessary. I don’t mind waiting out here.”
“Please, Huntress. I really must insist.”
She fought to keep the frown from her brow. “As you will, Brother.”
He bowed again, his dark curls falling across his eyes, before indicating towards the building on the right of Temple Green. Aloisia started towards the sandstone structure, a hand on the hilt of her blade, unsure why he would lead her there rather than the Temple.
The priest walked alongside her with an air of ease about him. Aloisia glanced sideways, examining him. While his face was familiar, she couldn’t place him. Not exactly.
“You were ordained not too long ago, if I am correct,” she said.
“Indeed. Only a few months before Brother Tristan.”
“You’ve both studied alongside each other, no?”
“As you say.” He grinned.
“What was your name again?”
“Brother Mikkel,” he said.
Recognition sparked within her. “You were from Hawkton?”
“Yes, Huntress. You remember correctly.” His smile faltered, if only slightly.
Aloisia did remember. She remembered how, ten years ago, his family had fled with many others from the town. A raid from the mountain clans. The Warriors of Ravencross had come to their aid, but too late. The Temple had taken in many orphans that day, Mikkel and his sisters amongst them. Hawkton was now a shadow of what it once had been. But such was the risk of living at the foot of Lavald Hills.
Mikkel led her into the building and through the corridors. Aloisia’s suspicion grew with each step.
“Did Tristan leave any message for me?”
“He did not, Huntress.”
Finally, they came to a halt before a set of doors. Mikkel rapped his knuckles against the dark wood and waited. A door opened, and a guard stood on the other side. Aloisia’s heart clenched.
“After you.” Mikkel indicated to the room.
Aloisia held her chin high, her fist tightening around the hilt of her dagger, and entered the room. Within was a study, walls lined with books, and a set of armchairs before a fireplace. And behind a desk on the far side of the room, the Modäiti, Mother Lusana, perched with her hands folded before her.
“I thought you said Tristan had asked for me to wait inside.” Aloisia turned to scowl at Mikkel.
“Thank you, Brother Mikkel,” Lusana said, cutting off whatever response he might have given. “You are dismissed.”
Mikkel bowed and left the room, the guard closing the door firmly behind him.
“What is this?” Aloisia asked.
