Panic surged through her. “How?”
“I may be able to help.” He scratched his beard. “It depends on what magic is at work. All magic is not equal, though it has common ground.”
Aloisia dropped her head in her palms. “Every time it feels like we are making any kind of progress, there’s something else to set us back.”
“It often seems so.” Inari eased her hands from her face. “We are never given more than we can bear. The gods wish to test us, temper us by fire.”
“That seems a nice enough sentiment. However, if this is how the gods have chosen to test me, then I curse them to the City of the Damned. If they are not already there for their sins against us.” She sighed. “I need to warn Tristan, if it’s not already too late.” If he would even see her…
Inari closed her fingers around a bead. “Take this with you. It not only means honour but also success.”
“Thank you.” She clasped the bead, feeling the wood press into her skin. “I’d best go.”
“Then, away with you. I look forward to our next encounter, Aloisia.”
“Likewise.” She moved towards the door. “May you be wearing more clothes next time.”
“No promises.”
She breathed a laugh, ducking out into the night. As she traipsed into the woods, she glanced back to the hut. Inari stood in the doorway, watching her go. While talking with him had certainly been distraction enough, once again, she came away with more questions than answers. At least her mind was a little more settled regarding the starburst. However, it was only replaced with her concern over whether the priests had been copying the markings.
Once beyond the sight of Inari’s home, Aloisia ran through the forest. She needed to warn Tristan. No matter how angry he was, he had to listen to her on this, surely. The danger they could be in if the spell was transferring…
It didn’t bear thinking about.
Aloisia did not slow until she had reached the guild. The wooden buildings were in darkness, her sisters long since asleep. She headed for the stables and the stable hand jumped up from the stool leant against the outer wall as she approached.
“Might I help, Huntress?” the young girl asked.
She shook her head. “Don’t worry yourself. I’ll prepare one of the mares.” She gave Jem, her own mare, a pat on the nose as she passed. The horse had earned a rest for the day. She marched to another, taking a saddle and bridle with her.
The stable hand settled back on the stool, watching as Aloisia set off for Littlewatch. Hooves pounded in time with her racing heart as she barrelled up into the town, returning to the Temple once again. She blinked against the fatigue tugging at her, the world blurring from speed or exhaustion, she wasn’t sure which. Perhaps both.
Aloisia swung down off the mare, sprinting up the flagstone path to the Temple’s entrance. She swiped her sleeve across her face and steadied her breath. Placing a palm on one of the large wooden doors, she paused a moment before pushing it open. A sliver of golden light spilled out onto Temple Green, a beckoning warmth she had for so long associated with her best friend. The Temple welcomed all, no matter the time of day or night.
As angry as he had been, Tristan was sensible. He would listen. She had to believe that.
Aloisia stepped within the Temple and closed the door softly behind her. A heavy silence hung in the air, enveloping her as the door shut, closing out the rest of the world. In the stillness, she crept forth, keeping her footfalls light. She drifted towards the large archway leading into the nave. The vaulted ceiling rose high above her, the flicker of candlelight casting long shadows upon the walls.
Lingering beneath the arch, with her fingers pressed against the cold stone, she looked to the Divines. Aloisia closed her eyes, giving a silent prayer they would find more solid answers, hoping she wasn’t too late to stop the priests copying the markings, and that Inari could be trusted.
“Huntress.”
Aloisia’s eyes snapped open, and she turned to see a young priest smiling at her. “Good evening, Brother.”
“It is a little later than evening, Huntress. You are more than welcome to remain and pray a while.”
“Thank you.”
The priest inclined his head and moved past her into the nave.
Aloisia watched as he approached the altar, kneeling before it in prayer. She inched backwards, intent on finding Tristan. As she did, the high priest emerged from a door behind the altar. His gaze locked onto her, surprise registering on his face. There would be no slipping away now.
High Priest Silas wore an amiable smile as he made his way to her. “Well met, Huntress Aloisia.”
“Well met, High Priest.”
“What brings you here at this hour, child? You seem troubled.”
