A Ranger From Adamnar

“Alana.”

Alana sat straight up in her bed, her heart beating wildly. For a moment she forgot where she was. Then she remembered they were at the Ranger Headquarters. She looked around the room. Laren was sound asleep and no one else was there. Who had called her name?

“Alana Candril.”

Then Alana saw the image of Diasamon in her mind. She got out of bed and pulled on a pair of breeches and a shirt and buckled on the Novadi dagger. The healer god had only spoken to her once in her entire life, and that was on the day of her test to fourth phase. She walked silently across the room, opened the door and slipped out into the dark hallway. The moonlight shone brightly on the polished wood floor. There were two Rangers, a man and a woman, standing watch at the top of the stairs leading down to the ground floor. They stopped her and the woman asked, “Where are you going so late at night with no shoes on, trainee?”

Alana hesitated. How was she going to explain a summons from Diasamon himself? “I…I’m going to the temple of Diasamon. I need to speak to my god.”

“Not with that dagger, you’re not, trainee,” the male Ranger said sternly. “No one, not even Lord Lof Vonas, brings a weapon into the temple of Diasamon.”

A voice came up from the stairs, “Now Teran, there’s no need to speak to the young lady like that. Her dagger offends no one in the temple of Diasamon.”

All three of them turned towards the stairs and saw a priest of Diasamon slowly ascending. In the shadows of the moonlit hallway, his long hair looked silver. His face was deeply lined and a smile hovered at the corners of his lips. Both Rangers bowed low. “Archpriest Kartanus,” Teran said. “We didn’t hear you come in.”

“Ah yes,” the priest answered. “I have learned to walk very softly in the service of the High Priest.” He looked directly at Alana, who stared at him as he came up the stairs. She remembered her manners and bowed deeply. Archpriest Kartanus smiled and said, “Well, young one, would you like an opportunity to put on some shoes? There’s a bit of a chill in the air tonight.”

“Uh…yes,” she stammered. “I’ll go get them now.”

As she turned to go back to her room, Archpriest Kartanus said, “And you may bring your friend, if you like.”

Alana threw him a puzzled glance and replied, “All right.” She hurried down the hallway back to her room. When she opened the door, she saw that Laren was sitting up in bed.

“Where were you?” she asked.

Once again Alana hesitated. She never told Laren about her ability to see and speak to the gods. She decided to plunge right in. “Diasamon spoke to me. I’m going to the temple with the Archpriest.” She paused as she tried to gauge Laren’s reaction. Laren just gazed at her expectantly. “He said you could come, if you want,” Alana finally added.

Laren nodded and got out of bed. She put on breeches, a shirt and boots. Then she picked up her sword belt. Alana said, “Wait. They told me no weapons are allowed in the temple.”

Laren looked at her with a raised eyebrow and continued to buckle her belt. Alana shrugged and pulled on her boots. “Ready?” Laren asked.

“Yes,” Alana answered.

When they arrived at the top of the stairs, Teran saw Laren’s sword and said, “Hold on there a moment, trainee.”

Archpriest Kartanus smiled and put his hand on Teran’s arm. “Be at peace, Teran. All is well.” He looked over at Alana and Laren and said, “If you will please come with me,” and then began to walk down the stairs. The pair followed Archpriest Kartanus out of the trainee’s quarters, across the courtyard to the temple of Diasamon.

The huge doors of the temple were closed when they got to it. Archpriest Kartanus raised his left hand and they opened before him. Kartanus led the way into the main foyer and continued to walk straight ahead down the long hallway, passing by the doors to the High Priest’s audience hall along the way. At last they stopped in front of a pair of elaborately carved wooden doors. Kartanus held up his hand and, once again the doors opened before him. He stepped inside and beckoned Alana and Laren to follow him.

Alana gasped and Laren let out a long slow breath of wonder. It was like they had walked into an enormous arbor. The snow-white marble that made up the interior of the sanctuary was decorated with images of dark green leafy vines that went from the floor up the fifty foot high walls and across the vaulted ceiling. The sanctuary was bathed in a bright white light that came from an unseen source.

At the far end of the temple stood a tall, white-haired man in dark green robes trimmed with gold. Behind him, on a white marble dais, stood the god Diasamon. Alana walked forward into the sanctuary. Laren was about to follow her, but Archpriest Kartanus put a gentle hand on her arm and said softly, “Please stay here. She is safe.”

When Alana reached the front of the sanctuary, she bowed low to the High Priest Pelden Etrayan. Then she looked up at Diasamon, went down on one knee and said, “Holy one, I heard your call.”

Diasamon smiled and replied, “And I thank you for responding so quickly. I am glad, though, that Kartanus was able to convince you to put on shoes.”

Alana blushed and smiled. Then she asked, “What is it you desire of me, Holy one.”

“The time has come for you to enter into your birthright.”

“My birthright?” Alana said in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“It is your destiny to be a unifying force for Ranwar.”

Alana’s eyes went wide. “Unifying force? Me? But how?”

Diasamon smiled again. “Fear not, young one. When the time comes, your abilities will match your task. Our communion this night is just the first of many steps for you.”

Tears came to her eyes and Alana bowed her head. “I’m afraid,” she whispered.

“I know, child.” The healer god extended his hand over her bowed head and said, “You have my blessing, Alana Candril. All you ever need do is ask for my help and it will be yours. Walk in peace.” Alana felt warmth flow through her and a feeling of peace came over her.

When Alana lifted her head, Diasamon was gone and it was the High Priest who stood in front of her now. He put out his hand and said, “Rise Alana Candril. You are now a High Priestess of Diasamon, ordained by the Holy One himself.”

Alana took his hand and stood up. “How can I be a Priest of Diasamon? I’m a warrior.”

The High Priest nodded. “Under normal circumstances, this would not be. However, unusual times are upon us. This is merely the beginning. When you come fully into your powers, you will be the means by which Diasamon gains his greatest healer.”

Alana shook her head in confusion. “I don’t understand any of this.”

The High Priest smiled. “There are times, young one, when it is not meant for us to understand. It is merely meant for us to be.” He put his hand inside his robes and pulled out a coiled gold bracelet. Alana looked at it closely and saw that it looked like a vine with a single gold leaf at its center. “This is a sign of your priesthood,” he said. “Wear it always.” He then took Alana’s left hand in his and slipped the bracelet over it. The holy symbol wrapped around her wrist and forearm like a brace. She saw that he was wearing the same holy symbol on his left arm.

Alana looked at her new adornment and a soft sigh escaped her lips. This was just one more piece to a very complicated puzzle. The more clues she got, the more confused she became. She let out a long slow breath and bowed to the High Priest. “Thank you High Priest Etrayan.”

High Priest Etrayan bowed deeply and replied, “And thank you, High Priestess Alana Candril.”

The title sounded strange to her ears. Suddenly she felt her throat constrict. She swallowed and said quietly, “Goodnight, your holiness.”

He gently touched her face and replied, “Goodnight, Alana.”

Alana turned and walked back towards Laren and Archpriest Kartanus. Laren frowned when she saw the look on Alana’s face and asked, “Are you all right?”

Alana shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“More scary stuff?” Laren asked.

Alana nodded. “Sort of.”

Archpriest Kartanus said, “Would you like me to walk back to the trainee quarters with you?”

Laren shook her head, “Nah, I got it.” She put her arm around Alana’s shoulders and steered her towards to outer doors of the temple.

Kartanus watched the pair walk down the long hallway. He heard High Priest Etrayan come up behind him. “She is well protected,” Etrayan said.

Kartanus nodded. “Yes. I pray that she knows and understands what a gift she has.”

“Let us hope so,” Etrayan said softly.

As the second month with Lord Geron came to an end, Alana had managed to unravel a meeting misunderstanding by charming a very self-important fighter lord baron who came from Relothere. She insisted that it was all her fault and that she was a bumbling idiot and would never make it as a Ranger and really needed someone like him to straighten her out.

“Laid it on pretty thick,” Laren said later that evening.

“Yeah, well,” Alana answered as she unlaced her boots and prepared for bed. “He wasn’t really interested in talking with Lord Geron anyway. He just wanted to strengthen his own position at the Rangers’ expense. I hope I was able to set him back a little. In the end,” Alana continued as she got into her night clothes and jumped into her bed, “We’re doing him a favor. I know for a fact things would be a lot worse for him if he shut out the Rangers.”

The following day was departure day. Laren and Alana packed their belongings and prepared for their return trip. They said their goodbyes to Lord Geron’s staff and then to Lord Geron himself.

“It was a pleasure to have both of you here,” he said. “The time really seemed to fly by, didn’t it?”

“Yes Lord Geron,” they said together. It was certainly busy enough for Alana, but she discovered that she really didn’t want to be an attaché. She made a mental promise to herself that if she ever became a Ranger Lord she wouldn’t have her attachés do nothing but meeting prep and untangle schedule conflicts.

Lord Hwanleth teleported them back to Adamnar Stronghold and brought them back to Lord Retak’s office, but he was out on patrols. Lord Hwanleth said, “Why don’t the two of you put your belongings back in your barracks and get ready to run.” He gave them a conspiratorial grin. “Let’s go find ourselves a Ranger lord.” It looked to Alana like Lord Hwanleth also enjoyed getting away from the Headquarters fortress from time to time for a little running in the forest.

Once Lord Retak had realized he was being pursued, he picked up the pace and changed course to break the pursuit. Unfortunately, he was with other trainees who couldn’t keep up with him, so Lord Hwanleth caught up to him about the same time as Alana and Laren caught up to the other trainees.

Lord Hwanleth and Lord Retak came jogging back to the group of trainees, laughing.

“How long has it been since we ran together, Greg?” Lord Hwanleth asked.

“Too long, I fear,” Lord Retak replied.

“It was a pleasure to have your trainees with us these two months,” Lord Hwanleth continued. “Lord Geron sends his regards and gratitude for sending him such willing and able attachés.”

“It was my pleasure.” Lord Retak replied. “They deserved the rotation to be sure.”

With a nod and final smile, Lord Hwanleth teleported away, leaving Lord Retak and his entire group of fourth phase trainees standing around ready for something new to do.

The next month was more patrolling.

“Why don’t we do more patrolling in fourth phase,” Alana asked one evening when Lord Retak came around to check on her on watch.

“What do you mean?” Lord Retak asked.

“It seems like in fourth phase we spend a lot more time on other rotations than on patrolling,” Alana said. “I thought fourth phase was the time we put it all together and practiced all the Ranger skills.”

“Well,” Lord Retak responded, “usually it is. However, most of my trainees are already ready to be Rangers and don’t really need any more training. I let them have as many rotations as they want, interspersed with the occasional patrolling rotation. Most fourth phase trainees actually spend most of their time patrolling and honing and learning to combine their skills, just as you describe.”

“You mean,” Alana asked, “we’re ready to test for Ranger now?”

Lord Retak chuckled, “Yes, and no.”

Figures, Alana thought. Always there was a little something someone wouldn’t tell her.

He continued, “There are always a few more important lessons to be learned. Sometimes we can’t find that out until fourth phase.”

“That’s why we’re in it for at least ten months?” Alana asked.

“Exactly,” he replied. “Most Ranger trainees are in fourth phase for twice that length of time or more. It is actually quite rare for a trainee to finish fourth phase in the minimum amount of time.”

Alana pondered that and went over her thoughts several times before speaking. Finally she plucked up her courage and asked, “Is Laren going to make it?”

“That’s up to Laren,” he replied. “She’s almost out of time and when she reaches six years I will ask that she be removed from Ranger training.”

“She’s expecting to be sent back to where she came from” Alana said, surprising herself a little with how crestfallen she sounded when she said it.

“If you’re referring to her life in Erordinville,” Lord Retak said, “there is no reason she has to return to that even if she doesn’t become a Ranger. Ranwar is a very big place and there are a lot of good people who would very much like to have her working with them. It’s part of Laren’s overall attitude problem that makes her think she must choose either to be a Ranger or be a thief. She doesn’t yet see the other possibilities. Well, have a good watch, I’ll talk to you later.” With that he ran off into the night.

Lord Retak seemed to know a lot more about Laren’s situation than Alana previously thought. She suspected all the Ranger Lords knew a lot more than they were letting on. That was another piece of information Laren had to discover on her own. There was more to life than just these two choices. Alana suspected it made life easier for Laren to believe that there were only two choices. It made it easier for her to believe that she had to become a Ranger or become a waste. Alana knew otherwise. She knew also that Laren had already started to turn around. She really hoped Laren completed her transformation before time was up.

Their patrol rotation was spent helping younger trainees. Lord Retak’s group spent a lot of their time acting as training objects for the first phase trainees. Not too many first phase trainees ever saw them, except when Lord Retak asked his group to allow themselves to be found. The month was over sooner than Alana expected. It was fun and relaxing to help the younger trainees. Laren was bored with it before all the others in Lord Retak’s group. Several of his other trainees commented on how she wasn’t complaining, despite her obvious boredom.

When it was time for the next rotation, Alana asked Laren, “What are you going to do?” She knew this rotation would put Laren over a test period.

“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” Laren said as she sharpened her sword.

“So which rotation would you like to take?” Alana asked.

“We really don’t have any choice,” Laren said. “You have to take Strategy at the Regional Fortress. That’s the only elite rotation left that won’t give you away.”

Alana said, “Yeah, but we could always do an advanced rotation instead.”

“What, me as a healer?” Laren snorted. “I don’t think so.”

“There are plenty of other advanced rotations,” Alana protested. “What about Planning or Intelligence?”

“I don’t think they would take well to trainees who didn’t take elite rotations when they were offered,” Laren said. “It’s all right Alana. You’re not keeping me from my dream job.”

Each regional fortress was in charge of one seventh of Ranwar. They were expansive complexes of buildings, small cities really. Agrenda Fortress was responsible for the southern Region, to which Adamnar stronghold belonged. The Ranger Headquarters Fortress was spectacular in its mighty architecture, but for all its grandeur was much smaller in total land area than a regional fortress.

Alana and Laren only saw Lord Arimy, the Regional commander, once during their stay. They worked for Lord Drenferierus, chief strategist for the region. Mostly though, they just worked for Lord Engredar, chief strategist for the sand table at which Alana and Laren spent every day.

Strategy at the Regional Fortress turned out to bore Laren to tears. Alana, however, had an aptitude for it. “You’re good at everything,” Laren said jokingly after a Ranger Lord went on and on about how gifted a strategist Alana was.

“It’s nothing special. I just had classes in this when I was growing up,” Alana said.

“Must have been some school,” Laren said.

Alana didn’t really want to get into it. She knew no matter how much she said it would just make things worse. She just shrugged.

At the midway point through the rotation Lord Retak came to the Regional Fortress and sought out Laren. He joined them at their sand table. Lord Engredar was running another battle simulation against the Scepoli. He kept inventing more and more difficult scenarios for Alana to figure out. Laren spent a lot of her time looking on silently. She looked mildly interested, but it was clear she was just watching.

“Lord Engredar,” Lord Retak asked, “Would you mind if I spoke to trainee Laren for a moment.

“No,” he answered, “That’s quite all right.” He spared only a glance at Lord Retak and was once again engrossed in the sand table supposition in front of him. Alana was using Borgantine to feint attacks from above in order to bring the Scepoli out into the open where the Rangers could attack them.

“Brilliant,” he murmured. “Have the largest Borgantine fly below the tree tops, actually in the trees. The Scepoli would never expect that from them.” Several of the other Rangers and strategists looking on nodded in agreement, although one steadfastly refused to believe a bird with a forty foot wingspan could fly in between the trees.

“Trainee Laren,” Lord Retak said, “would you please walk with me a...”

“Yes, Lord Retak” Laren blurted out. She led the way out of the room. Lord Retak just looked at her walk out, chuckled softly, and followed her.

As they reached the grounds outside the battle college, Laren stopped and turned to face Lord Retak.

“So Laren,” he said. “Are you ready for your trials?”

“No, Lord Retak,” Laren answered quietly.

Lord Retak looked at her in surprise. “Are you sure about this?”

Laren nodded slowly. “Yes, I am. I know I’m not ready yet.”

“You know you only have one more chance after this,” he said.

“I know,” she replied.

“All right then,” Lord Retak said. “I will give you one more day to think about it. If you have not contacted me by then, you’ll have to take your trials at the end of this rotation.”

Laren nodded. “Yes, Lord Retak.”

“Well, would you like to help test the new fourth phase trainees? Derek, Jacob, and Sardik are taking their trials, so we’ll be bringing in three new trainees.”

“Sure,” Laren answered.

“Good,” Lord Retak replied. “Then I’ll be back for you in four days time. Ask Alana if she wants to join you. Tell her Tulan is testing. That should be an incentive for her.”

“I will, Lord Retak,” she answered. She turned to leave saying, “Good bye Lord Retak.”

Lord Retak watched Laren walk back into the building, her head bowed slightly. He knew it must have been incredibly difficult for her to say she wasn’t ready to take her trials.

Lord Engredar was eager to have Alana stay for another rotation, but she was just as eager to get back to the stronghold—especially now that Tulan was in Lord Retak’s group. Laren was just eager to be anywhere but the Regional Fortress.

After another month of patrolling with the new trainees, Alana decided to take an advanced rotation with Chief Priest Bruny—at his request.

“What about you?” Alana asked Laren.

Laren shook her head vehemently. “No thanks. I’m no good at that healing stuff. I’m going take a rotation with Lord Chasimar in Operations.

Alana’s eyebrows went up. “I thought you hated Lord Chasimar.”

Laren shrugged. “She’s not so bad. And besides,” she added. “She asked me herself.”

“She did?” Alana said excitedly. “That’s great. I’ll bet that means she wants you to work for her when you become a Ranger.”

“If,” Laren replied.

“When,” Alana insisted.

Laren rolled her eyes. “All right. When.”

Alana laughed. “Good.”

When Alana started to work in the infirmary with Brother Bruny, she made sure that the holy symbol she wore on her arm was well covered by her sleeve. She didn’t know how Bruny would react if he saw it and she didn’t want to have to try to answer questions for which she had no answer.

The infirmary of the Adamnar stronghold was a fairly busy place. The stronghold housed more than eight hundred Rangers and trainees and also the large staff required to keep the place running smoothly. Most of the injuries and ailments that came through the infirmary were minor and easily dealt with. Occasionally, however, there were days when heavier casualties came in. Sometimes it was a trainee from one of the sparring classes—usually Waylan’s. Sometimes it was a Ranger wounded out in the forest, partially healed and brought back to the stronghold.

Today it was far worse. An outer ring patrol group had gotten attacked by a werewolf just after sunset and one of the party members had been bitten. The patrol leader had managed to teleport his party to the infirmary one at a time.

Bruny directed Alana and his assistant, Sister Treise, to take care of the two Rangers who had been scratched while he took care of the man who had been bitten. A werewolf bite needed immediate care or the victim would succumb to lycanthropy and be forever cursed. Werewolf scratches would not cause the victims to turn into werewolves, but they were extremely painful and became more so the longer the wound went unhealed. Victims could be driven insane by the agony. Alana and Sister Treise had their hands full trying to keep the two Rangers still while they were being healed.

Alana’s charge, a woman, was thrashing about and clawing at the long ugly gashes on her side. “It burns,” she cried.

“I know,” Alana murmured, putting her hand on the woman’s sweat dampened forehead. “What’s your name?” she asked, hoping to at least momentarily distract the Ranger from her pain.

“Cori,” she replied through gritted teeth.

Alana took a deep breath. She had to do something to calm Cori so she could be healed properly. She remembered the time in Waylan’s class when Bruny had done something to calm Tulan. She closed her eyes and tried to remember the feeling. She leaned in close to the woman and whispered, “Cori, listen to me. All will be well. The gods are watching over you. Feel their peace.” Alana let the feeling of peace flow through her. Soon Cori stopped thrashing and her breathing became easier. Alana didn’t waste time. She put her other hand over the wounded area and began the healing prayer. Werewolf scratches took longer to heal than normal wounds and Alana had to divide her energy between keeping Cori calm and healing her. Finally the wounds began to close until all that was left were two long, dark scars.

Cori had fallen asleep from exhaustion, so Alana covered her with a blanket. Sister Treise was almost finished with the other Ranger, whose wounds were worse. The patrol leader leaned against the wall and watched Bruny as he worked on the Ranger who had been bitten. Alana frowned when she saw the patrol leader. He was holding his left upper arm and his face was pale and drawn. She went over to him and asked, “Are you wounded?”

When he looked at her, she saw that his eyes were hazed over with pain. “I tried to heal it myself,” he said gruffly, “but I couldn’t do it. I even took a healing potion and that didn’t work either. It’s just a scratch but it hurts like hell.”

Alana reached for his arm. “Please, let me see it,” she said quietly. The patrol leader reluctantly moved his hand away from his arm. The scratch had gotten dark red and looked like it was starting to fester already. Alana looked up at him and asked, “Would you please sit? I’m a little short and it would be easier to reach you that way.”

The patrol leader actually smiled a little then. “You are a small one, aren’t you?” He obliged Alana by sitting on the floor against the wall. Alana knelt down next to him and put her hands on his arm. As she whispered the healing prayer, she felt him relax. His wound took a lot less time to heal because she didn’t have to divide her energy. When she was finished, Alana sat back on her heels, closed her eyes, and breathed a sigh a of relief. She was suddenly very tired. She felt a large hand cover hers. She opened her eyes and saw the patrol leader looking down at her. “Thanks,” he said with a smile. “And by the way, my name’s Lonan.”

Alana smiled back and replied, “I’m Alana. I’m glad I could help.”

Lonan frowned slightly. “Alana? Where have I heard that name before?”

Before she could answer, Bruny called form across the room, “Alana, I’d like to speak to you for a moment.”

Alana turned and looked at him in surprise. The tone of his voice seemed harsh, almost angry. She stood up and answered, “Yes, Brother Bruny.” She went over to him and asked, “What is it, Brother Bruny?”

He didn’t answer her right away, but instead turned and walked out of the room and out of the doors of the infirmary. Somewhat confused, Alana followed him. Once they were outside he turned to her, his face a mask of outrage, and asked, “How is it that you are a Priestess of Diasamon when you have pledged your life to Asaeria?”

Alana blinked in surprise and responded, “What?”

His voice rose slightly, “Asaeria told you to Walk in Wisdom. That is the ordination of a Priest of Asaeria. How can you then wear the Priest coil of Diasamon?”

Alana glanced down and her left arm and realized with dismay that the holy symbol of Diasamon had been uncovered during her struggles with Cori. Confusion and panic flooded through her. She looked up at Bruny and asked in shaky voice, “What do mean? How do you know she said that to me?”

“I was there,” he replied curtly. “I saw my goddess put her hand on you and bless you. She told you to Walk In Wisdom.” He stopped for a moment, overcome with emotion as a revelation struck him. “Only High Priests are ordained in such a manner,” he went on hoarsely.

Alana stared at him with a stricken look on her face and whispered, “No.” She closed her eyes and said, “Then I have been so ordained twice.” Without warning, tears started to pour down her cheeks. She slid down the wall to the ground and put her face in her hands. A sob rose from deep within her and she said, “Please, please tell me what I am.”

Bruny’s outrage instantly turned to contrition. His goddess had told him to protect Alana, not berate her. How could she possibly have any malice of intent if she had been ordained a Priestess of Diasamon? Bruny dropped down on his knees beside the weeping girl and said, “Alana, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I let my pride overtake me.” Alana nodded, but her body was still wracked with sobs. Bruny sat down next to her and pulled her into his arms, murmuring softly as he tried to quiet her.

“What the hell’s going on here? What did you do to her?” Laren’s angry voice rang out across the small courtyard of the temple as she bore down on the pair.

Another equally angry voice shouted, “Trainee, you are way out of line!” Lord Cartyet came striding into the courtyard right behind Laren.

Laren rounded on the Ranger Lord and shouted back, “Stay out of this!”

Lord Cartyet stared at Laren in shocked surprise. Even at her most contentious she had never spoken to him like that. But as he looked at her, he realized that she didn’t see him for who he was. She somehow saw him as a threat. He shifted his gaze to Alana and Bruny, who now sat staring up at the scene unfolding before them. Lord Cartyet had heard of the unusual relationship between Alana and Laren. Now he saw it firsthand. It was obvious to Lord Cartyet that something had upset Alana and Brother Bruny was trying to comfort her. Apparently, Laren saw Alana crying and Bruny as the cause of it. Lord Cartyet knew he had to diffuse this situation quickly before Laren did something that would get her thrown out of the stronghold. He took a step toward and said quietly, “Laren, think about it. Brother Bruny is our chief healer and a Priest of Asaeria. How could anything bad have happened?”

Laren blinked and shook her head slowly as she looked at him. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she just realized what she had done. “Yes, Lord Cartyet,” she answered slowly.

“Now,” Lord Cartyet said more firmly, “I think you owe Brother Bruny an apology.”

Laren turned to look at Bruny and then at Alana, both of whom were now standing. Laren shifted her gaze back to Bruny and said, “Brother Bruny, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that.”

“It’s all right, Laren,” Bruny replied. He turned to Alana and said, “Perhaps you should go rest for a while. You worked very hard today. I will see you tomorrow.”

Alana nodded and said, “Yes, Brother Bruny. Good night.”

“Good night, Alana,” he replied.

Alana walked over to Laren and said quietly, “It’s all right, really.”

Laren nodded silently and turned to leave the temple courtyard with Alana. Lord Cartyet stopped them. “One moment, Laren.” Laren turned to him and this time Lord Cartyet saw something akin to fear in her eyes. His heart went out to her because he knew she was trying very hard, but he had to make sure she understood the importance of discipline and respect. “I will be here for about an hour talking with Lonan. Please come see me in my office after the evening meal.”

“Yes, Lord Cartyet,” she said quietly.

Alana cast a worried look at Lord Cartyet and was about to say something, but Laren stopped her with a slight shake of her head.

Lord Cartyet watched the pair as they walked out of the temple courtyard. Brother Bruny came up and stood silently beside him. Finally, Lord Cartyet said, “What’s going on, Bruny?”

“I wish I knew,” Bruny replied.

Alana paced in front of the main building while she waited for Laren to come out of Lord Cartyet’s office. Laren hadn’t let her go inside, but if the worst happened, she would be damned before she let Laren get thrown out of the stronghold because of her. Finally, Laren emerged from the building. Alana tried to read her expression, but couldn’t see much in the torch light. “Well?” she asked when Laren came over to her.

“It’s all right,” Laren replied. “He just lectured me about respecting other people and being more disciplined. And he gave me some extra duties for the week.”

Alana let out a sigh of relief. “Thank the gods. I was worried I was going have to fight with him to keep you in the stronghold.”

Laren gave her a strange look and a kind of half smile. “You would, wouldn’t you?”

“Of course,” Alana answered.

“You want to go to the tavern?” Laren asked.

“That sounds like a great idea,” Alana answered.

As they were walking towards the tavern, Laren said, “I was thinking. Maybe you should tell your uncle about all this stuff that’s been happening.”

“What stuff?” Alana asked.

Laren gave her an incredulous look. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe stuff like being ordained the High Priestess of two gods. That might be something to mention.”

Alana laughed but then shook her head. With a small sigh she said, “I thought about it. But he’s just going to give me the same answer he has every other time—‘I don’t know’ or ‘I can’t tell you’—I really don’t want to hear that again. I’ll just deal with it like I’ve been doing.” She looked over at Laren and smiled. “It helps that you understand and don’t make a big fuss about it.”

Laren shot her a look that was a mixture of surprise and pleasure. “Thanks,” she said quietly.

Alana shook her head. “No. Thank you. I don’t think I’d be able to go through this without you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

Laren suddenly had a hard time swallowing. She cleared her throat a few times and finally said, “Yeah, it’s a good thing you have me around. Nobody else here is good enough to watch your back.”

Alana threw back her head and laughed. “That’s for sure,” she answered.

Laren put her arm around Alana’s shoulders and said, “Come on runt, let’s get a drink.”